Future Developments at SXM

To upgrade our facilities to meet necessary international standards and to better serve all our stakeholders and enhance visitor experience, Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, has embarked on a Capital Investment Program, financed in part with the funds raised via our successful bond issue.These projects include 1) Runway Rehabilitation; 2) Land reclamation/land acquisition; 3) Relocation of the Meteorological Building; 4) New FBO and Rescue & Fire Fighting Facility; 5) Relocation of the Fuel Farm; 6) Renovation of the Cargo Building; 7) New Technical Building; 8) New Commercial Strategy; and 9) Beautification of the Roundabout. Below you will see some of the upcoming projects and their locations.

Airlines Optimistic about service to SXM
- SXM Delegation attends Routes Americas -

Most of the airlines servicing the Princess Juliana International Airport expressed optimism about their performance based on the results posted last year.

At meetings held with the St. Maarten delegation to the recently concluded Routes Latin America in El Salvador, which was led by the Hon. Ted Richardson, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, Delta Airlines, for example, revealed that it was satisfied with its load factor and revealed that bookings for the next three to four months already show over 50%, which is “pretty good.” 

Air Transat revealed that its average load factor for 2013 was 54% and thus far, year to date (YTD) 2014 its average load factor is at 72%. In addition, the airline disclosed that it would reinstate its YYZ service for the winter 2014 season using an Airbus A310. 

Jet Blue said it is very pleased with the market, which has shown an overall strong performance. The airline also agreed to further look into the request to consider a possible RON (Remain Over Night) flight on the SJU-SXM route. SXM can serve as a second hub for Jet Blue in the Caribbean, with a focus on the Northeastern part. “We will work towards this diligently,” said Regina LaBega, SXM Airport’s managing director. 

The good news for St. Maarten continued with the revelation that SXM is “on the radar” for when Southwest Airlines extends its wings to the Caribbean starting July 1, 2014. The airline, with a fleet of 700 aircraft, is expanding its international operations as part of its merger with Air Tran, which it acquired in 2011. New service for the Summer 2015 season will be announced in the next four to five months and according to John Kirby, International Business Manager for Southwest Airlines, “SXM is highly favored.” 

With a load factor of between 75 - 80%, COPA Airlines has been doing very well and performing strongly. The yield is good and feedback has been very positive, the carrier disclosed. It said it has identified the St. Maarten market to be high end. Therefore, depending on the profitability, the airline will most likely consider the possibility of increasing the frequency of its flights. The carrier indicated that the top five markets to SXM are Panama, Sao Paolo, Bogota, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. COPA’s current schedule offers connectivity primarily to South America.

Similarly, Insel Air intends to expand its operations to and from Aruba and is considering the establishment of an Insel Air SXM in the same way it has Insel Air Aruba. The company plans to acquire additional Fokker 70 aircraft with a seating capacity of 80, especially in view of new markets coming on line like Boa Vista c - Manaus- Porto Velho (Brazil), Georgetown (Guyana), Baranquilla - Cali - Bucaramanga (Colombia), Quito (Chile) and Paramaribo (Suriname).

“With our partners in the Air Service Development Committee, we will continue to work hard to ensure sustainable service to SXM and to attract new carriers as well,” said LaBega.

Seaborne airlines began SJU-SXM service March 1

Seaborne Airlines, one of the fastest-growing airlines in the region, was airborne from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, as it executed its maiden flight to St. Maarten on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

Seaborne Airlines operates a Saab 340B 34-seater aircraft into SXM. According to a release by the airline, “Fares from San Juan to St. Maarten begin as low as $88 one way, taxes and fees included. Flights can be reserved via SeaborneAirlines.com, Expedia, Travelocity or through your local travel agency.” 

“St. Maarten is yet another exciting destination in the Caribbean that Seaborne is offering to our customers, as we build important trade and tourism links throughout the Caribbean,” said Gary D. Foss, president and chief executive officer at Seaborne Airlines.

“We are indeed happy to welcome Seaborne Airlines to SXM and see its expansion into this destination as an opportunity to further consolidate airlift into San Juan, Puerto Rico, and thus increase connectivity to the larger US market, our main source of tourists,” said Regina LaBega, managing director of SXM Airport. LaBega noted that the airline’s daily schedule allows for passengers to travel to San Juan on business trips, leaving St. Maarten in the morning and returning in the evening. 

Redevelopment of Retail & F&B outlets near completion.
-Several new stores already open-

Last year Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, embarked on a new commercial strategy to create an exciting, innovative, operationally efficient, financially productive and comprehensive retail environment. While this project was estimated to be completed by the end of Q1, due to varying factors, it will be completed during the second quarter. The official grand opening will take place later this year.

Currently, all F&B outlets pre-security are open. Existing stores Domino’s Pizza, Burger King and Kaffe are joined by Market by Villa (F&B Local Fast Food); and Subway (F&B sandwiches).

Also open pre-security are Dutch Delight (convenience store) and Blanc du Nil (Retail fashion).

Newly opened post-security are: ESCA (F&B coffee and sandwich bar); Boutique Duty Free (Retail fashion); Taloula's Flights (F&B bar); Le Bistro by Bacchus (F&B Cafe de Paris); Coffee Express (F&B kiosk); as well as the re-designed Shipwreck Shops and Colombian Emeralds.

Once completed, the new strategy will allow for employment of approximately 200 persons, more than half of which would be new hires. There will be 26 stores total, and 85% of all units are local operators and/or returning concessionaires

SXM is first Caribbean airport to have entire runway lighting system in LED

Following the completion of the asphalt works in November 2013, SXM's runway rehabilitation project is set to be completed this month. The main construction details associated with the runway rehabilitation project included replacing the entire runway asphalt, implementation of a Runway Safety Area on the west side, and construction of three new taxiways.

The final phase of the project is the electrical works, which will include a complete upgrade of the Airfield Ground Lighting system in LED. This upgrade comprises of the installation of new constant current regulators, new remote control system, new runway edge-, end- and threshold lighting, new taxiway lighting and new signs all with LED, making SXM Airport the first airport in the Caribbean to have its entire lighting system in LED. Only the new Precision Approach Path Indicators are not equipped with LED. The runway rehabilitation is part of the airport's Capital Investment Program, which includes several projects aimed at upgrading SXM facilities, improving service and consequently allowing the airport to continue to meet international standards.

16 honored at employee recognition ceremony

On Jan. 24, 2014, Sixteen SXM employees were lauded by management for their exemplary performance and dedication shown in their respective positions. Employees of the month for 2013 who were honored include: Edmond Missoudan, Angelo Brill, Rubia Taylor-Hassell, Anne Marie Gane, Stephen Larmonie, Jurino Coffie, Malican York, Edmon James, Samuel George, Sulaiska James-Clark, and Carlos Illis.

Also honored at the ceremony were five employees who celebrated 25 years of service to SXM:

• - Patricia Pantophlet, Security Department
• - Deborah Donker-Jermin
• - Rubia Taylor-Hassell
• - Idalia Lake
• - Davie Romney

The employees were showered with tokens of appreciation, praise, and congratulatory words from their peers.

Embracing a positive safety culture
A safe environment is a profitable environment
By Darren Wilson, Quality Assurance Officer

A new year has begun and it is obvious that the safety culture at SXM Airport has taken an upward trend for the better. During the 2013 Safety and Security workshop it was mentioned that safety is one of our pillars for success and together we can achieve an environment where a positive safety culture is achieved and recognized. With this in mind, SXM Airport intends to continue to do its part in providing a safe and healthful working environment for its employees and stakeholders which is in accordance with our mission statement:

“To be the regional leader in providing safe, secure, quality and profitable airport services that contribute to the general economic and tourism development of St. Maarten/ St. Martin and the region we serve”.

In pursuit of these goals, SXM Airport will maintain an active and dynamic Safety Management Systems (SMS) program and all company personnel and stakeholders are expected to participate in the program and take an active role in the identification, reduction, and elimination of hazards. Teamwork is the ultimate key for achieving a positive safety culture and with the conscious and consistent contribution of everyone, SXM Airport can and will remain safe.

SXM frontline personnel don new uniforms

As of the first workday of 2014, SXM frontline personnel could be spotted in a brand new look. The ladies are decked in navy or grey suits, teal cardigans, and they even have the option of grey dresses. The men are sporting navy trousers with a light blue shirt and matching tie. The new uniforms bear SXM’s new logo and company colors, and so far the response has been very positive from employees and visitors alike. All remaining employees will have their new uniforms by the second quarter.

2013 Statistics