THE importance of international airports to economic development cannot be over emphasised because in today’s world the movement of people and goods increasing takes place through air transport and therefore these facilities have to be modern and constantly upgraded to improve the delivery of services.

In this regard, it is heartening to learn that last year was a successful one for our main international airport, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation Inc. (CJIA), Mr. Ramesh Ghir, said the CJIA’s income increased by 46% over 2011 to $1,094M, compared to $748M collected in 2011, and he credited the improved showing to additional rental/concession fees and passenger service charges. He also said the CJIA had transferred some $424M to the Consolidated Fund, which was 33% more than the $319M transferred in 2011.
Expenditure for 2012 amounted to $462M, as compared to $365M spent in 2011.
He also reported that an increase of 13% in passenger arrivals was recorded for 2012, as the Immigration Department processed 267,652 passengers for that year, compared to 236,344 which had been processed in 2011; and the total passenger traffic for 2012 was 543,435, or 15% more than what had obtained in 2011.
Imported cargo in 2012 amounted to 2,233 tonnes, representing a 33% decrease in the 2011 figure; and exports amounted to 1,845 tonnes, or a 13 % decrease in what had obtained in 2011.
Aircraft movement was seen as 4,630 international flights in 2012, as compared to 3,908 in 2011.
Meanwhile, in 2013, the Airport Expansion project will see construction of a new terminal building, measuring 14,000 sq. ft., which will, inter alia, contain the following: eight passenger boarding bridges, two elevators, and CCTV and departure control systems. This will be complemented by the extension of the main runway by 3,500 ft. to a final length of 10,500 ft., making it capable of accommodating Boeing 747 aircraft.
The final aspect of the project will see construction of nine international parking positions, which will include a position designated for cargo aircraft.
The project will be funded by the Government of China, through the EXIM Bank of China, to a total sum of US$150M. However, CHEC will be executing works to the value of US$138M. Work on the temporary design has already commenced, and actual construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2013, with a 32-month period for completion.
Indeed, anyone who has travelled recently using the CJIA can attest to the fact that it has been transformed to a level comparable to its Caribbean counterparts and meeting international standards.
And those who are responsible for the management and upkeep of the facility should be given the highest commendation for doing such an excellent job.
The CJIA is now a far cry from what it was 20 years ago. At that time it was an apology and disgrace for an international airport, having a leaky roof; appalling washroom facilities; no proper information system; poor lighting; no conveyor belt; poor accommodation for passengers and discourteous service by airport personnel, etc.
Today all that has changed significantly, although there could be more improvements which the government has already begun focusing on.