After more than three years of intense negotiations and a promised investment of some $200 million, a historic management agreement to transform the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) into a world-class premier facility was signed on Thursday by the government of The Bahamas and the Nassau Airport Development Company – a subsidiary of the Airport Authority and Vancouver Airport Services (YVRAS).
The Vancouver-based company, recommended by the British Airports Authority, will manage LPIA for the next 10 years. Work on Phase I, which is expected to span 24 months, will begin within the next 60 days. Once the airport is fully overhauled, international travellers will have to pay a passenger facility fee of $15 and a security fee of $7. Such fees will go toward the continued development and expansion of the airport facility.
Vancouver Airport Services is North America’s leading global airport investment, management and development company. The company presently operates 18 airports in seven countries. The company was formed in 1994 to market the expertise and leading-edge management techniques and operating philosophies first developed by the award-winning Vancouver International Airport. In 2005, its network of airports recorded consolidated revenues of $197 million and combined passenger traffic totalled $15.8 million, according to the airport’s Website.
Flanked by aviation officials and Minister of Transport and Aviation, Glenys Hanna-Martin, Prime Minister Perry Christie explained that the overhaul of LPIA would be conducted in phases. Phase I will include: An improvement in the physical and sanitary conditions of the airport, the alleviation of congestion associated with the US preclearance facility, and the alleviation of parking and airside conditions. Phase I will also entail the construction of adequate check-in spaces for additional air traffic growth.
Phase II, which will span 48 months, will include the design and construction of new and/or upgraded airport terminal facilities and related airport infrastructure. A training programme will also be implemented to offer more exposure to employees. This move is expected to significantly increase the number of Bahamian middle managers within three years, and within a six year period, the majority of top level nonBahamian managers will be replaced with Bahamians, Mr Christie said.
The Prime Minister said it is important to note that Bahamian firms will have preference in the development of the airport and they will be invited to participate in any tenders for financing, capital works and other airport contracts. “Likewise, in an expanded airport, new services and new opportunities for services will be provided,” he continued.
Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin said yesterday’s signing represented an essential phase in the redevelopment of the Lynden Pindling International Airport. In addition to world class management, the Transport Minister said YVRAS would redevelop terminals to create a modern airport facility, which is efficient and uniquely Bahamian.
Vice President of Operations and Business Development at YVRAS George Casey said he was comfortable that the Management Agreement was balanced, fair and equitable. The Agreement, he said, would achieve the objectives necessary for their partnership with the government to move forward.
“We believe this is an excellent fit as far as a partnership,” Mr Casey said. He indicated that the airport is the “front door” to any country and it is the first impression that a visitor to the country receives. “We also understand the importance of the airport in relation to the stakeholders and those who have a vested interest in the airport, including the travelling public, tourists, returning Bahamians and the hoteliers who have developed the tourism infrastructure product.”
Mr Casey said YVRAS is committed to a number of objectives that fall into two main categories. The first. is the timely and cost effective development of capital facilities, and the second focuses on the primary operations and the day-to-day business of the airport.
Chairman of the Airport Authority Anthony Kikivarakis gave his approval to YVRAS. He explained that before the company was chosen, the Authority had examined the work of a number of management companies, but none could compare with YVRAS who had experience in transforming smaller airports.
By TAMARA McKENZIE, Guardian Political Editor
