Curaçao is making history this week!

As previously mentioned, our island is the smallest country (by population) to qualify to compete in the FIFA World Cup, football’s biggest stage. Given the magnitude of this event, Corendon Dutch Airlines has organized special trips to the Unites States so that islanders may attend the initial matches in Houston, Kansas City and Philadelphia.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 Max 9 registered PH-CDQ, arrived in Curaçao on June 7th from Amsterdam (AMS/EHAM) via Terceira Lajes Airport (TER/LPLA) in the Azores. Early on June 8th, PH-CDQ completed a short charter to Aruba (AUA/TNCA) for the Dutch military and returned to Curaçao.

Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 PH-CDQ arrives in Curacao TNCC from Aruba TNCA

Following the military charter, it was time to transport the Curaçao national football team to West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI/KPBI). Once ready to pushback, the pilots called ATC and requested a callsign change: BLUE WAVE ! With the aircraft holding short of runway 11, the tower controller delivered a message to the team over the radio:

“ Blue Wave team, as you start your journey to the 2026 World Cup, Curaçao wants you to know that every blue heart, wherever it may be in the world, beats together with you. You are not only representing a team, but also the hope, pride, and unity of our people. With every pass of the ball, every goal, and every battle on the field, you are showing the world the strength of our nation. We wish you a safe journey, good health, and great success. Play with the same love, passion and discipline that brought you this far and enjoy every moment. No matter the result, Curaçao will always be proud of you for taking us to the highest soccer stage of the world.”