PM to officially open Jamaica's Ian Fleming Airport on 12th January

04-Jan-2011 • Event

With the busy 2010/11 winter tourist season now underway, Jamaicaâs international airports have added improved and enhanced features to support the anticipated increase in visitor arrivals -- reports South Florida/Caribbean News.

On January 12, Prime Minister Bruce Golding will open the new Ian Fleming International Airport, geared primarily to accommodating arrivals by private jet.

At the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, NMIA Airports Limited and its parent company, Airports Authority of Jamaica, have completed phase 1A of their three-part expansion project. During this phase, a new three-level departures concourse was constructed, comprising 66 check-in positions; a new baggage system implemented; the car park expanded; four additional passenger bridges were installed, bringing the total to eight and the arrivals area renovated, including the customs and immigration halls.

Phase 1B is currently underway, scheduled for completion in 2012. This phase will include further upgrading of existing buildings, installation of new baggage-handling facilities, expansion of aircraft parking stands, and an extension of the cargo and maintenance taxiway. During this phase, work will continue as part of the enhancement of the transportation hall and its Kingston Pineapple Lounge. Upon completion, this will expedite the flow of visitors and groups for transfer to the islandâs resort areas.

The airport has completed the installation of 10 Common Use Self Service (CUSS) machines and expanded retail shopping in the arrivals (waiting) area to facilitate âmeeters & greetersâ and wider airport users. NMIA recently invited tenders for Arrivals Duty Free, following the passage of appropriate legislation.

In the second quarter of 2011, expansion of the departures executive lounge will be implemented to include a pay-per-use model similar to that of the Admirals Club, but with a Jamaican theme.

In the resort capital, MBJ Airports Limited, operators of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, has completed the installation of an additional 20 CUSS machines bringing the total number to 40 in the check-in terminal. The airport has also completed the reconfiguration of the pre-boarding screening area to facilitate access for both staff and passengers.

MBJ has also opened a tender process in which several concessions are available, including Foreign Exchange, Duty Free and Specialty Retail stores. The recent approval of Arrivals Duty Free opens up more options to the traveling public, sharpening Jamaicaâs edge as a competitive world tourism destination.