Denise Clarke, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE TAKE-OVER of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay by an international consortium has been delayed.
The new group, MBJ Airports Limited, did not take over operations as planned yesterday, March 1, and could be delayed for another two weeks.
"There are some conditions that need to be fulfilled by all the parties and we are still working on them," said MBJ's General Manager Leonor Lozano. While she would not disclose what was holding up the take-over, Mrs. Lozano told Sunday Business that some minor points in the agreement are being ironed out before the change-over can take place.
"There are some conditions stipulated in the concession agreement that we all have to comply with. We all are aiming for early March to take over the airport and we are working on all of the areas so we can have a smooth transition," Mrs. Lozano noted.
Despite the delay in the take-over, Mrs. Lozano stressed MBJ's commitment to the development of the airport into a world class facility. "It should be clear and we need people to understand that we are here to work for this country in obtaining a world class airport. We are not here for the short term, we are here for 30 years and this is a project that is very important for the country and for ourselves and people have to understand that good things are not done overnight," she said.
The agreement for the divestment of the airport to MBJ was signed in January, giving the company a 30-year lease. During this time a US$190 million expansion is slated for the airport. Some of the work to be done in the first year includes the installation of six jet bridges, a closed-circuit television security system, an elevator and the refurbishing of the immigration and customs hall.
Apart from the construction, Mrs. Lozano disclosed that MBJ will also be embarking on the beautification of the entrance to the airport building to create a pleasant ambience for passengers. She added that the company is looking forward to a partnership with other stakeholders in the airport to improve the services offered.
"This is something that we have to work with all the operators at the airport to get them conscious that we have to give this service to the passengers. So it will take time until we get all the people involved and really committed to this project. If they are committed and they believe in it then I am sure they will work with us on this task that we face," Mrs. Lozano noted.
The initial development of the airport will include repairs to existing facilities, followed by a preventative maintenance plan. A 12-gate concourse is also to be constructed this year.
The second phase of the Sangster Airport development is scheduled to begin in July 2005 or sooner, and includes the development of a new terminal, which will be linked to the existing terminal to form a complex to house new immigration and custom facilities as well as shopping areas.
