News & Media

SXM Airport Holds Constructive Meeting with Simpson Bay Community Council

SIMPSON BAY, St. Maarten (Friday, December 5, 2014)— SXM Airport made a surprise donation of over 60 chairs and 25 tables for use at the Allen Halley Recreational Center. The donation was made at the last of its quarterly meetings with the Simpson Bay Community Council (SBCC) for 2014.

SXM Managing Director, Regina LaBega noted that SBCC had previously identified a need for these items, and the airport was really happy to be able to assist the center in this manner. SBCC members welcomed the gesture and said the chairs and tables would come in very handy for the upcoming Christmas season, with the different events that they are planning.

According to LaBega, the overall mood of the meeting was very positive, with both parties engaging in a healthy exchange of ideas. SXM Airport renewed its commitment to continue to work with SBCC in 2015 in pursuit of a sustainable and environmentally balanced development of the airport and its surroundings.

SXM Airport updated members of the Simpson Bay Community Council about its ongoing Capital Improvement Program, which includes projects such as the relocation of the fuel farm and the construction of a new one with increased capacity and the new Fixed Base Operations (FBO) and Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) buildings. The latter will include a facility to house the island’s ambulance service that will serve Simpson Bay and surrounding areas.

The renovation of the cargo building; the airport’s new commercial strategy and the impending construction of a bypass to enhance safety and increase aircraft parking were among other projects discussed.

Although SBCC was receptive to all the information it received, it expressed some concerns in certain areas. SXM Airport promised to take their concerns into consideration.

SXM’s ongoing and planned environmental projects were also discussed including its revamped irrigation system, its planned solar panel field, and the LED lighting projects. SXM is one of the first airports in the Caribbean region to have all of its runway and taxiway lighting in LED.

Other important environmental projects dear to SBCC that were discussed were the drainage along the Airport Boulevard and the drainage along Sr. Patientia Road. The relevant study for the latter has been conducted and preparatory work has already commenced.

“The meeting was very constructive,” said LaBega. “We consider the Simpson Bay Community Council and all of the people of the neighborhood our partners as together we take SXM Airport to the next level.”