Expansion Works at Norman Manley to Start September

The first phase of expansion works at the Norman Manley International Airport will begin in September and should be completed in time for the staging of World Cup Cricket in 2007.
As outlined in a document tabled by the Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill in the House of Representatives on June 14, the work, estimated to cost US$62.8 million, is part of Phase 1A of the airport’s Capital Development Programme, which will be undertaken over the next 20 years at a cost of US$127.7 million.
According to the report, this first phase of the project will be completed over an 18-month period and the scope of work will include the construction of a new three-level departure concourse of approximately 10,000 square meters, which will be integrated with the existing ticketing concourse. The new and redeveloped ticketing area will accommodate 54 check-in desks, and a Common Use Terminal System (CUTE) will be introduced to support the airlines and build efficiencies. The ticketing area will also have the capacity to accommodate well-wishers within the terminal.
A significantly improved area will also be available for passport control and security checks and a VIP departure lounge will also be put in place. In order to comply with regulatory requirement, the existing arrivals/departure pier will be redeveloped to provide a two-level structure to accommodate the separation of arriving and departing passengers. This development will also result in passenger loading bridges being installed.
Phase 1A will also include the renovation of the arrival area, to provide a more welcoming entrance to guests and relatives. Other areas, which will be renovated, are the existing immigration hall and the departure lounge.
Cabinet approved the Capital Development Programme after the completion of the Master Plan last October.Already, major landslide and support infrastructure works are underway as part of the capital programme, with significant undertakings scheduled to be completed on a phased basis over the next two years. These include the upgrading of the road network, with the realignment of the existing access way and the construction of a four-lane roadway and the expansion of the car park.
In addition, the electrical distribution, wastewater and environment management systems will be upgraded. The expansion and rehabilitation of the terminal facilities was initiated during the 2004/2005 fiscal year, with additions and alterations to the Departure Concourse. This project, which is slated for completion in August, was also modified to conform to the new terminal expansion programme. Significant improvements were also made to the baggage make-up area, which was completed in January at a cost of $19 million.
There were other infrastructural works undertaken at the airport during the last financial year. These included the upgrading of the electrical and mechanical facilities, which resulted in a 2MVA generator being installed and commissioned into service in February of this year.
A new 70-tonne air-handling unit, along with associated ductwork and housing, were installed in the customs hall and the development of the cargo facilities is underway.
Phase 1 of the cargo village, a 30, 000 square foot facility with associated electrical, mechanical and car park facilities, is projected to be delivered by the end of 2005.