drs Eugene Holiday, president of the Princess Juliana International
Airport Operating Company NV is pleased with the success of the
Airports Conference of the Americas hosted by PJIAE in July 2008.
With more than 100 delegates, it had been the largest aviation
conference ever on the island. "We got some pretty interesting
insights and we will certainly see what can work for us. We learned
that we have to be as creative as possible and continue to work with
our airline partners," drs. Holiday said.
Many delegates declared the conference "the best ever", so one may
safely say that objectives have been achieved. St. Maarten and its
airport's new terminal building were properly showcased, guests had
a wonderful time and the conference itself was productive. Buyers
and suppliers met during the table-top trade show. For host Princess
Juliana International Airport the event was a prime opportunity to
showcase its new facilities and promote the island.
PJIAE signs new ATS Agreements with S. Barths, Grand Case
PJIAE on Thursday May 29, 2008 signed new Air Traffic Services
Agreement, with Grand Case airport and St. Jean airport of St.
Barths. "Because the French have adopted new status, their airports
that fall within PJIA's area of responsibility are now run on local
level," explained Mr. Jan Brown, Director of Air Traffic Services.
Decisions on certain levels regarding operations at Grand Case and
St. Jean airport previously were made through the French Department
of Civil Aviation based in Martinique.
CERTIFICATES FOR OUTSTANDING SAFETY WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
The companies and the PJIAE departments that excelled during the
Safety and Security Workshop were presented their Certificates for
Outstanding Performance. Accepting their certificates were Mr. Roy
Mingo for Arrindell Aviation Services (AAS), Mr. Anthony Brown for
Liat, Mrs. Elsa Simons-MCrea for Last Stop Rum Shop and Michel
Hyman, Acting Manager of PJIAE's Operations Department.
Three more Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officers for Saba
PJIAE Air Traffic Services officials Mr. Jan Brown and Mr. Junior
Williams have been instrumental in the recent certification of three
Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officers (AFISO) in Saba.
Marcel Peterson, Meagan Hassell, and Vito Charles were prepared on
rules and regulations set forward by the International Civil
Aviation Organization, including emergency procedures, traffic
classification, and much more, said Airport manager Vincent Hassell.
Peterson was certified in Juneand Hassell and Charles in August.
Including Hassell, Saba now has six employees who are certified to
take on tower duties as AFISOs.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams: "build partnerships at AAAE conference"
Aviation Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, at the opening of the
AAAE meeting on July 21st 2008 expressed words of appreciation to
the Princess Juliana International airport and to AAAE for bringing
the prestigious Airports Conference of the Americas to St. Maarten.
"PJIA is the main gateway to our island for residents and the larger
traveling pu-blic, and plays an important role for air traffic in
the North Eastern Caribbean. For this reason, the government of Sint
Maarten is thrilled to welcome so many of the region's aviation
movers and shakers," Mrs. Wescot-Williams told the gathering at
Sonesta Maho Resort's conference room.
JUNE IS FOD MONTH AT PJIA New culture instilled to clear aircraft movement areas
The efforts to clear Princess Juliana International Airport of
"foreign objects and debris (FOD)" will continue uninterrupted; at
the wrap-up session of the first FOD month on Monday June 31s, 2008,
it was announced that from now on every June will be "Foreign Object
Debris/Damage Awareness Month". "Let us all make PJIA FOD free,"
PJIAE Operations Division Director Mr. Larry Donker told a gathering
of airport workers.
FRENCH SIDE OFFICIALS PROUD, IMPRESSED AFTER PJIAE TOUR
A behind the scenes tour of the facilities of Princess Juliana
International Airport on Tuesday July 8, 2008 left French St. Martin
Government officials impressed, proud and eager for stronger
cooperation with the Dutch side. Following the welcome by Leader of
government Sarah Wescott-Williams, the 30+ French officials, led by
President Louis Constant Fleming were treated to a presentation on
the airport's history and operations by PJIAE President drs. Eugene
Holiday.
They were then bussed to and given a tour of the state of the art
ATC tower followed by a tour of the modern baggage handling,
sortation and screening system in the basement of the Terminal
building where they marvelled at the quality of the facilities and
at the professionalism displayed by the employees they encountered
at the airport. The notion at the end of the tour was that St.
Maarten's southern and northern sides should work closer by using
the available expertise on the island to resolve a lot of issues
together.
