An aerial view of the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St. James, on Friday, February 2. - Photo by J.S. Tyndale-Biscoe Photography Limited

WESTERN BUREAU:

In keeping with its modernisation and expansion plans for the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, MBJ Limited has opened a new US$51 million (about J$3.3 billion) Ground Transportation Arrivals Hall.

"There was a soft opening on Tuesday for the 25,000-metre square facility. It houses international arrivals, customs, the police and a new baggage delivery system," explained David Solloway, director of marketing and special spokesman at MBJ, operators of the airport. "This is under Phase II of the project."

The new area also accommodates MBJ's customer service office, car rental agencies, food outlets, hotels arrival lounges, and tour and ground operators. The focus now of the airport expansion - project is connecting the multibillion-dollar East Concourse - opened in December 2005 - to the arrivals hall, and then building a connection to the present departure lounge.

Mr. Solloway said work began a week ago and on completion, the boomerang-shaped addition will house exit immigration and security posts. The existing three-floor departure area will be rebuilt, and airline check-in counters will subsequently occupy that entire building.

As a result, the retail section will be moved to the arriving immigrations hall. The entire expansion project is scheduled for August 2008.

Phase One of the project saw the construction of 18 air bridges, a string of commercial outlets and spacious waiting areas for passengers.