News & Media

Parliament Meet on SXM Airport Reconstruction Status

SXM Airport Delegation at the Central Committee Meeting of Parliament

Philipsburg, St. Maarten -Members of the Parliament of St. Maarten paid keen attention to the updates presented by the Princess Juliana International Airport – SXM on the reconstruction of the terminal building, U.S. Pre-Clearance, the Hurricane Preparedness plan, the capacity of the Pavilions amongst other highlights, during the Central Committee Meeting of Parliament on Thursday June 14, 2018 at the Parliament building.

The Princess Juliana International Airport - SXM was invited to give a presentation on the status of the international airport. The agenda point of the Central Committee was entitled “PJIA Reconstruction Status.” Meanwhile, the topics presented by the airport’s management team also included a financial update, roof repairs and the interior demolition process. Leading the delegation was the honorable Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT), Dr. Cornelius de Weever, members of the Supervisory Board of the Directors, representatives of the Holding company and the Managing Board.

The CFO and Acting CEO, Ravi Daryanani gave a detailed, yet concise presentation to the Members of Parliament, stressing that the terminal’s reconstruction is contingent on funding and the tender process. The ultimate goal is to restore full operations in the reconstructed terminal building by the first quarter of 2020. Meanwhile, the roof will be completed by the third quarter of 2018.

Although there is a scheduled court hearing set for June 19, 2018, SXM Airport and NAGICO continues to hold ongoing talks. Another anticipated announcement was the plans to include the U.S. Pre–Clearance in the reconstruction process. Daryanani presented the forecast of the departing U.S. Pre–Clearance passengers for 2022 through 2040.

The MPs were concerned about the state of financing for the rebuilding and reconstruction of PJIAE. The airport’s management is expected to answer their questions within short.