Contracts Signed To Improve Norman Manley Intl. Airport

The Ministry of Transport and Works today signed three contracts valued at over $393 million to carry out extensive improvements to the physical facilities and operational efficiency of the Norman Manley International Airport.
Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, who signed the contracts at the Ministry’s Pawsey Road offices in New Kingston, explained that the new contracts were a continuation of a series of improvement works being carried out on the airport under a US$60 million Airport Reform and Improvement Programme.
He pointed out that the airport was the “principal gateway to the capital, and is therefore a crucial part of the strategy to stimulate our economic growth and development”.
The Minister informed that in 2002, the estimated passenger throughput at the airport was 1.5 million. He said a three to four per cent increase was expected in 2003, with gradual increases to 1.9 million passengers in 2013 and 2.5 million in the year 2022.
Minister Pickersgill said that the government, through the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), intended to implement a 20-year capital development programme at the airport, to meet the airport’s projected traffic needs.
The programme, which is expected to cost US$127 million, will include terminal expansion; airside development; general infrastructural development and major maintenance; and the establishment of the requisite regulatory framework to attract financing.
Following the submission of nine proposals, the terminal design contract, valued at US$3.226, was awarded to Sypher Mueller International Incorporated of Ottawa, Canada.
The contractors will design and expand new terminal facilities for processing arrival and departing passengers, including customs and immigration facilities; redesign the viewing gallery for better use of space and maximising commercial opportunities; aircraft gates to include passenger lounges, concession space and support facilities; and extending and upgrading the terminal ‘finger’ to include passenger loading bridges.
They will also provide designs for the development of the physical facilities at the airport, the use of lands surrounding the airport, the establishment of airport access requirements and determination of the best means of satisfying the long-term airport facility improvements. This project is scheduled for completion in three years.
Contract two, which involves additions and alterations to the departure concourse, has been awarded to Cooper and Associates Limited and is valued at $161.5 million. Minister Pickersgill said the work would include construction of a new canopy, north of the existing check-in concourse and departure lounge; construction of an additional drop-off pavement area and provision for access by wheel-chair passengers; new elevators, electrical air conditioning, public address, fire detection and fire fighting services; and alterations to the existing check-in concourse and mezzanine level to include a new security post and postal agency.
The architects/engineer for the designs are Harold Morrison and Associates, in conjunction with Peter Jervis and Associates Limited and Grace Ashley and Associates. Mr. Pickersgill said the improved facilities should be “commissioned into service” in 15 months.
He pointed out that in its effort to improve efficiency and control costs, the AAJ had decided to outsource certain non-core functions at the airport, including preventive maintenance and repairs to service vehicles and equipment. Auto Solutions Limited has been awarded the contract valued at $41.2 million.
Giving a stern warning to the contractors, the Transport Minister said timelines were paramount. “I cannot over-emphasize the point that if you are approached by unscrupulous persons offering consultancy services, whether as security guards, liaison officers, self-styled mechanics or some other disguise for extortion, refuse their services and contact the Police.”
He stressed that government would not foot the bill for any arrangements entered into with extortionists, and that any contractor who did so should be mindful of the fact that “government will not acknowledge any claim made by any contractor who enters into such arrangements, and indeed, will regard such arrangements as grounds for termination of the contract”.
Under the Airport Reform and Improvement Programme, which is nearing completion, the Norman Manley International Airport has already undergone extensive renovation of its airside infrastructure, including the taxiways, runways, and aircraft aprons, along with the installation of a new fuel hydrant system.
In addition, the passenger terminal building and ancillary facilities have been expanded and renovated, including the upgrading and expansion of the customs/baggage hall and the departure/intransit lounge.