22 more employed – Gov’t upgrades for flights

In anticipation of the impending runway extension as well as the resumption of service by BVI Airways, the management of Terrence B Lettsome International Airport said it is undertaking various measures aimed at increasing staff and improving the airport.

Managing Director of the state-owned BVI Airports Authority Denniston Frazer stated that – among other things – there will eventually be additional housing for arriving passengers, the building of a new fire station, installation of more air conditioning units, provision of seats to accommodate 90 more persons in the departure lounge, and the installation of electronic flight displays over airline counters.

Frazer further stated that the airport has introduced two security machines, and employed 10 more security guards along with 12 fire officers.

He made the announcement recently during his appearance before the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Assembly.

More land needed

In its report, which was tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday, the Committee indicated that Frazer is also mulling the need for more land space.

“The Managing Director (Frazer) also stated that the piece of land adjacent to the airport was needed for not only the ramp extension, but also to build the new fire station and also to make provision for additional housing for arriving passengers…”

“The Managing Director also stated that there will be seating to accommodate at least 200 persons in the departure area as opposed to the 110 that is available at this time. He also stated that the Electronic Flight Display will hopefully be completed this year, and an electronic display will be placed over the airline counters so passengers can be guided by the electronic system,” the Standing Finance Committee further said in its report.

It stated that, according to Frazer, approval is also being sought from the Town and Country Planning Department for permission to advertise in the rectangular lawn just outside the administrative area of the Terrence B Lettsome International Airport.

It is not yet clear when Government will start the extension of the airport runway. But it already has selected a preferred bidder – China Communications Construction Company, which has promised to deliver the project at just over $153 million.

In relation to privately owned BVI Airways, the government is investing $7 million into it, to facilitate direct flights from the Terrence B Lettsome International Airport to Miami in the United States. The airline is still awaiting approval from United States authorities, and so there is no clear date for the service to commence.