UP-UP AND AWAY
Sangster International continues to soar
WITH OVER 52 million visitors over the past 15 years, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is not just the proverbial ‘goose that lays the golden egg’, but is now easily one of Jamaica’s biggest economic earners.
Celebrating its 15th year under its MBJ Airports Limited lease agreement, the Sangster Airport is now also one of the main gateways in the Caribbean.
The airport, which connects Jamaica to more than 50 international destinations and which saw some 4.2 million passengers passing through in 2017 – a new all-time record – has also emerged as a signature landmark for brand Jamaica.
“The airport, which, by the way, has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport for nine consecutive years, also provides employment to more than 150 Jamaicans,’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MBJ Airports Limited Rafael Echevarne explained.
He added that it’s mind-boggling to calculate the actual revenue the airport has earned for Jamaica, adding, “Can you imagine the figure if even half of who passed through the airport spent at least US$100 while in Jamaica?”
“It’s also not just that we are celebrating 15 years ... it’s kind of how we got here amid some of the initial challenges we faced. And to this, I cannot say enough about the quality people we have working here and who have been an important part of this journey. To have more than 52 million passengers over the past 15 years is also an incredible achievement,” he added.
“This landmark achievement by MBJ Airports Limited truly reflects the dedication and professionalism of our entire staff, who work tirelessly to improve the traveller experience,” Echevarne further added.
He further explained that a concerted effort has been made over the years to improve the physical infrastructure of the airport and to create “an authentically Jamaican experience” for airline passengers and to serve as a world-class aviation facility that “assist greatly as part of Jamaica’s iconic tourism product.
“The Sangster International is yet another example of how Jamaica is setting the bar for the entire region,” Echevarne beamed.
“For the past three years, we have been working on a number of initiatives, with the ultimate goal being to improve the passenger experience by reducing queues at security checkpoints.
“We have also been displaying Jamaican art throughout the airport and have ensured that all our retail concessionaires improve their product offering for the travelling public,” Echevarne further added.
The airport CEO also informed that the growth rate at Sangster over the past five years has been around five per cent, adding that “last year’s record 4.2 million passenger mark, could soon be exceeded.
“There is no doubt in our minds that this record will not last for long,” he added.
Echevarne also disclosed that MBJ has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Airports Authority of Jamaica, where “we will be upgrading and expanding the existing runway.
“There will also be major renovations in other areas to bring the Sangster International on par with all the major airports across the world,” he emphasised.
For his part, Mayor of Montego Bay
Homer Davis said the Sangster International is now being recognized as a major player in international aviation and strategic planning, pointing to the Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour (CHAT) by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which sent a team from the National Hurricane Centre and the Hurricane Hunter Association to the island last Friday, specifically to Sangster Airport.
“This is very important, considering that Jamaica was the only English speaking country that was a part of the 2018 CHAT,” he explained. “We must remember that this is an initiative that is undertaken once per year and in different regions of the world. It speaks volume that the Sangster International Airport was chosen as one of the stops.”
CHAT forms part of the public awareness, education and outreach campaign implemented by NOAA in partnership with the United States Air Force Reserve.
Echevarne said that MBJ Airports has a number of events scheduled throughout 2018 to commemorate the 15-year milestone.
“We just had an official celebration at the airport, where a historical exhibit and a commemorative sign was unveiled,” he added.
“This was followed, of course, by an airport forum and also a visit by airport stakeholders, schools and civic groups, who came to view the Hurricane Hunter aircraft at the airport.”
He added that MBJ will continue to support the community throughout 2018 with its ‘Change for Children’ initiative, among several other programmes.
Change for Children, he said, funds projects that support the growth and development of children in the Montego Bay area.
MBJ, he said, also continues to support the Autism Centre in Brandon Hill and Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf through this initiative.
“MBJ recently partnered with Spot Valley High School to provide mentorship support and will host a Labour Day project at the school on May 23. MBJ will also continue to participate in charity marathons and coastal clean-ups,” Echevarne said.