$161 Million Improvement for Manley Airport

$161 Million Improvement for Manley Airport
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica 

Wednesday, March 03, 2004
 

Construction work aimed at modernising the Norman
Manley International Airport in Kingston began on
Monday with the expansion of the ticketing concourse.

Some $161.5 million is being spent by the Airports
Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) on this phase of the
project.

"The work, estimated to cost J$161.5 million, will
have a 15-month duration," said the AAJ in a press
statement yesterday.

Over 9,500 square feet of floor space will be added to
the front of the existing ticketing concourse,
including an extension of the curbside drop-off
pavement area. Provision is to be made for access by
wheelchair passengers. Retail units are also being
added.

According to the AAJ, alterations will be made to the
existing departure concourse to facilitate passenger
movement, with new amenities enhancing passenger
comfort and convenience. Among them: the installation
of new elevators, adequate air-conditioning, a public
address system, as well as fire-fighting and fire
detection facilities.

This is the latest phase in the development of the
airport on which some US$60 million has been spent
over the past five years.

About J$370 million has been spent on infrastructure
improvements over the past two years at Sangster
International Airport in Montego Bay - part of a
long-term expansion of the facility. In April 2002,
private capital and expertise were secured for
Sangster's commercial development when a concession
agreement was implemented.

The government expects the privatisation of Sangster's
to stimulate economic growth, with the airport serving
as a major tourism gateway.

In preparation for the eventual privatisation of the
Norman Manley International Airport, officials
recently signed two contracts to commence the
facility's capital development programme. This will
result in US$127.1 million of infrastructure expansion
and upgrading over a 21-year period. Of that, about
US$92.1 million, or 72 per cent, will be spent during
the initial six-year period, according to the AAJ.

The lead consultants on the project are Harold
Morrison and Robert Woodstock Associates Ltd. The
contractor is Cooper & Associates Ltd.


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