MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OF NMIA AIRPORTS LIMITED

I t is my distinct honour and privilege to salute and serve NMIA Airports Limited (NMIAL) on this, the occasion of its 15th year of exemplary service to the citizens of Jamaica and the many visitors to our shores. Since its incorporation in 2003 NMIAL has been effectively managing the operations of the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) under a thirty-year Concession Agreement with its parent company, the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ). NMIAL has experienced major developments and achievements over the 15-year period including: the completion of a state-of-the-art airport terminal (which was commissioned in 2008); the introduction of Jet Bridges and Automated Passenger Service systems; enabling the operational transition of our national airline - Air Jamaica, to Caribbean Airlines; introducing new airlines and destinations; commissioning of a new Air Traffic Control Tower; and seamlessly facilitating visits by major heads of states, Jamaican Diaspora members, investors and tourists to Capital City – Kingston. Additionally, the phenomenal improvement in Airports Council International (ACI) – Airport service Quality (ASQ) ranking in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Region from 15th place in March 2015, to 2nd place in December 2015 was a memorable achievement for NMIAL. This is in addition to other regional/international accolades received by NMIAL and its stakeholders which highlight the commitment of airport workers and concessionaires to providing world class service at the various touch points throughout the airport corridors. I am confident that NMIA remains poised for even greater growth in passenger throughput and profitability in subsequent years due to the development of hotels and attractions within the airport’s catchment area, and major road construction works completed such as North-south Highway to Ocho Rio, as well as construction underway such as the Mandela Highway and road developments to be undertaken on the south-east coast through St. Thomas to Portland. This 15-year milestone is particularly significant as we are at the doorstep of a momentous change in the management and operation of NMIA as the Government of Jamaica is far advanced in the process of divesting NMIA by way of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. On October 10th, 2018, a 25 plus 5 year Commercial Agreement was signed with the preferred bidder, Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico, S.A.B. DE C.V (GAP). GAP will become responsible for the management and operation of the airport as of the date of Financial Close, which is projected to take place by October 2019. The Government of Jamaica will remain owners of the airport, and robust measures will be in place to ensure that the interests of the Government and people of Jamaica are protected as progress is made with the divestment exercise and throughout the life of the Agreement with GAP. The achievements of the past 15 years were not accomplished by the efforts of a single organization. As such, I wish to use this medium to thank successive Ministers of Transport, our parent Ministry (Transport and Mining), past and present Boards of Directors of the AAJ and NMIAL, the Management and Staff of NMIAL for the dedicated service given throughout the years. I also wish to express sincere gratitude to our key stakeholders (the Airlines; Concessionaires and airport tenants; Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority; Trade Unions; Jamaica Tourist Board; Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association; Passport Immigration & Citizenship Agency; Customs; Min. of Health; Min. of Agriculture; the Police; Port Security Corp and the private security firms; and the many others), whose combined efforts have enabled us to seamlessly deliver the high quality of service to which our customers (our travelers and the general public) have become accustomed to receiving. I therefore celebrate this 15-year, crystal anniversary with pride, knowing that NMIAL has contributed significantly to the growth of air transportation in Jamaica, and by extension the nation’s economy. Congratulations NMIAL!