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Aruba's history

Aruba was discovered in 1499 by the Spaniard Alonso de Ojeda. In 1636 near the culmination of the
80 Year War between Spain and Holland, the Dutch took possession. There was an interregnum
from 1805 to 1816 during the Napoleonic Wars and the English assumed control. In 1824 the
greatest treasure of all was discovered - gold! But is was black gold that brought real prosperity in
1924. Two oil refineries were built. The next industry to bring further prosperity was tourism. Cruise
ships were the main source of visitors until 1959 when the first luxury hotel was opened. On
December 31, 1985 Exxon closed the refinery due to reduced world-wide demand for oil and
oversupply of refining capacity. After 1986, the government has emphasized on the tourism industry
and has tripled the amount of hotel rooms. In the last years, Aruba's tourism has shown a constant
increase. On April 20, 1991, the Coastal Oil Company reopened the refinery. Coupled with the
booming tourism industry, it provides Aruba with one of the highest standards of living in the
Caribbean. A variety of attractive fiscal incentives are offered to encourage the establishment of new
industrial enterprises, tourism projects and off-shore companies.

Important dates in Aruba's aviation history

Aug 1923
First flight to Aruba by two Curtiss F51's by the United States Marines (unconfirmed)

4 Jul  1925
Originating from Curacao, SCADTA's (Avianca) Dornier Wall I-DOOR named "Pacifico" landed in
"Paardenbaai" This is considered the first official landing of an aircraft in Aruba.

1 Jun 1932
Aruba's first commercial airline was established. The new company carried the commercial name
of: "NV Caribische Vliegdienst Onderneming" or "Caribbean Flying Service" (CFS).

Dec 1934
KLM lands in Aruba for the first time.

1942
Aruba Flying Club is established. This club is still in existence today.

Nov 1985
The Concorde visits Aruba for the first and only time.

18 Aug 1988
Air Aruba carries out its first flight with a YS11 reg.  P4-YSA

13 Mar 1996
Local airline Avia Air crashes in Paraguana Venezuela after departing Beatrix airport. All 8 occupants
(incl. pilot) were killed making it the worst local aircraft accident to date.  

Nov 2000
Due to financial problems, Air Aruba ceases operations.

2006
Tiara Air, a new local airline starts operations.
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