AAJ Far Advanced With Divestment of Airport

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) is far advanced with the divestment of the Norman Manley International Airport.

“If all goes to plan we should have divested this asset by the end of the calendar year. The invitation for the bid is now open and the eight pre-qualified bidders have been invited,” he told the House, during his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 30.

The Minister informed that assessment and evaluation will be in June and that by September/October, the signing should take place with the preferred bidder.

Mr. Montague also said that the AAJ intends to invest and upgrade the aerodromes that are currently operational in Negril; Ken Jones (Port Antonio); Tinson Pen; Lionel Densham (Treasure Beach) and Ian Fleming, St. Mary.

He said the scope of works will include fencing, runway rehabilitation, repairs to terminals and establishment of pilot lounges.

In addition, Mr. Montague said the AAJ is seeking a partner to assist with the setting up of an internal airline to assist with domestic movement of people and goods.

“In today’s Jamaica we need scheduled internal flights, so the call is for persons in the private sector to come forward and let the negotiations begin,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Montague said the Government is again moving to market and open up the country’s aviation industry.

He informed that discussions have begun with private pilot associations in North America.

“One association has 180,000 members. If we could get five per cent of the owners to come to Jamaica, that’s 9,000 flights per year or 25 flights per day. Can you imagine what that would mean for fuel sales, villa and car rental, aircraft maintenance, catering and additional jobs to bring more prosperity,” the Minister said.