News & Media

Remodeling Fixed Based Operation to Bring Upgrades for the Luxury Traveler

Photo Cutline: Rendering of the upgrade at the existing FBO building.

SIMPSON BAY, St. Maarten (Thursday, November 8, 2018) - Corporate Travel to St. Maarten is about to return to a more relaxed setting as the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) prepares to upgrade its Fixed Based Operations (FBO).

The FBO is the facility which exclusively caters to the high-end travel operations. It offers a range of services for private jet customers, general aviation and crew. The existing facility is conveniently located to the West of the terminal building and was used temporarily for arriving passengers post hurricane Irma in 2017.

The remodeling of the existing FBO will allow the jet-set traveler to move through the processing more efficiently and offers a more spacious area with a Passport Control, Customs and a security point. Modifications will also be made to the lounge for the luxury traveler. The new design now calls for a two-story building, as the administrative offices of the FBO operators will remain in the compound but relocate to the second story of the building. The FBO operators include ExecuJet and Arrindell Aviation by Signature N.V.

On Friday November 9, 2018 the Management will meet with the potential contractors for a site visit, whereby the Request For Proposal (RFP) and the project renderings will be presented. The contractors will have to submit its proposals by November 19, 2018.

Sending “kudos to SXM Airport for pushing forward with this development,” Matumi Shigemoto, General Manager, Arrindell Aviation by Signature Flight Support at SXM Airport said: “This new development of our current facilities of the FBO building is extremely welcome. It will give us (Princess Juliana International Airport and St. Maarten) a positive and much needed outlook on our seriousness of regaining our market share in the General Aviation business.”

“Our customers and staff have been having very challenging experiences with our current condition post hurricanes Irma and Maria and it’s extremely important that we make progressive and positive steps in rebuilding our brand and leadership role in the Caribbean,” Shigemoto added.

He pointed to the fact that Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Antigua have been enjoying the growth of their market share while we are still recovering. “But we need to bounce back and show that we are resilient and that we will be back stronger and better than we were before,” he said.