The Minister with responsibility for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen is encouraged by the work of the Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) to increase business confidence and return to safe, secure and efficient operations, against the backdrop of the global pandemic.
During a recent visit to the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA), presentations were made by the management team to the Minister highlighting the work of the authority, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The GAA team, headed by General Manager Joan Gilbert, reported a promising upward trajectory in the movement of passengers through the MBIA. Over 10,000 passengers moved through the airport during October, and the numbers are expected to increase as American Airlines is scheduled to resume its daily service on 1 December and Sunwing Airlines begins a weekly service as of January 2022. The Authority further noted that most airlines and retailers are renewing leases for another 3 to 5 years.
The MBIA also maintained its health accreditation status with Airport Council International (ACI) which confirms that the Grenada airport provides a safe experience, using industry best practices during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hon. Modeste-Curwen remarked that, “Airlines are showing confidence in Grenada, and we look forward to visitors returning to Grenada in a safe manner and in greater numbers. We look forward to welcoming new visitors and to seeing those who have visited us before and now choose to come again.”
Given the upward trajectory, the GAA team underscored the greater critical importance of moving quickly ahead with the MBIA expansion projects, which will better position Grenada to expand its air transportation network and greatly improve the quality of service and safety at the MBIA.
The GAA management team also informed the Minister of the efforts underway to build human resource capacity by instituting appropriate succession planning measures. As such, 4 new Air Traffic Control Cadets commenced training in Aerodrome and Approach Control at the Trinidad & Tobago Civil Aviation Training Centre this year, the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) successfully issued, for the first time, the Air Traffic Control Licences to the existing certified Air Traffic Controllers. Also, a significant improvement in equipment maintenance, processes, and systems to increase productivity and efficiency both at MBIA and Lauriston airports was reported.
Minister Modeste-Curwen commended the Board of Directors, management, and staff of the GAA and all airport stakeholders for their continued support throughout these difficult times, thanked them for their diligent service to the people of Grenada and encouraged their ongoing commitment to excellent service.
GIS
PROVIDE HEALTH CARE ON THE ISLAND.
You NEED to orchids HEALTH CARE to Grenada NOT increase the size of the airport . Your airport is fine the way it is except that food and drink accessibility are more IMPORTANT than shops.