Millions spent last year to upgrade airport MORE THAN $460 million was spent last year to continue to upgrade and modernise the infrastructure at the Norman Manley International Airport, under the Airport Reform Improvement Programme (ARIP). The scope of work includes the completion of rehabilitation work to the air traffic control complex at a cost of $51 million. The refurbished facility will serve as the headquarters of the Jamaica Civic Aviation Authority (JCAA) and will house the air traffic control centre, as well as the air traffic control training school, currently located on Port Royal Road. Communication and navigation equipment was also procured at a cost of some $212 million. Dr. Phillips was making his contributions to the 2001/02 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House this week. The Minister of Transport and Works, Dr. Peter Phillips said the acquisition of the equipment, in addition to the new radar system being introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority, would greatly increase the efficiency of air traffic management, enabling the facility to operate at international standards. The ARIP is funded by the Government of Jamaica and international funding agencies at a cost of some US$58.4 million and involves the rehabilitation of the runaway, taxi way and apron, replacement of the underground fuelling system, construction of a sewerage treatment plant and incinerator, and the installation of communication and navigation equipment at the airport. He told the House that the Government was committed to improving facilities at both international airports in keeping with worldwide standards. Dr. Phillips emphasised that the airports were important to the country's economy as they facilitated the movement of more than 5 million passengers and approximately 30 million kilograms of cargo annually and provide direct employment for more than 8,500 persons. "Their importance is heightened when you consider the country's stopover visitors or the approximately 60 per cent of the island's 2.2 million visitors use the international airport as a point of entry. In addition, more than 200,000 Jamaicans and visitors use the facilities of the domestic aerodrome for intra-island travel, on a yearly basis," Dr. Phillips said. On another matter, the Minister said for the past two years, aeronautical activities have shown significant growth, with aircraft movements increasing by some 30 per cent. He said that while passenger growth at Norman Manley has been moderate, there has been a significant increase in passenger traffic at the Sangster International Airport over the years.
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