PJIAE CONFIDENT IN THE FUTURE AND AHEAD IN AVIATION
With
the end of the worldwide economic recession in sight, PJIAE, the
Operating Company of St. Maarten’s international gateway Princess
Juliana International Airport (PJIA), is focusing on increasing its
traveler friendliness.
Several projects –some ongoing currently and some in start-up phase- are
to enhance the experience of visitors as they arrive and depart the
island. Our mission statement says that PJIAE is a regional leader in
providing airport services and as such we strive for excellence,” said
PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday in his update on the projects, which
include the completed fisherman’s jetty on the banks of the Simpson Bay
Lagoon, the nearly finished Airport Boulevard network upgrades, the
soon-to-be-introduced automated check-in kiosks and the future runway
end safety area (RESA). “Traveler confidence is poised to return soon
and St. Maarten will fare well from that development.,”
drs. Holiday said.
He continued: “The aviation industry has welcomed airport self-service
check-in kiosks, as they improve passenger processing and customer
service.”
The self service check-in kiosks that will be installed and operational
at PJIAE in the near future, PJIAE’s newest focus on improving passenger
experience. Also in the pipeline to kick off soon is the construction of
two more gates in the B concourse at the lower southwestern end of the
terminal building.
Two more doors will be constructed in that area. The intention is to
have the new gates –which will also be outfitted with the CUTE system
and be operated with the airport’s access and security control system-
in operation during the high season.
WELL ON TRACK
Drs. Holiday reported that all projects ongoing at the airport are
progressing well. “We are well on track with our goals for 2009,” he
said, looking back at the completed rebuilding of the airport’s south
fence and sea wall that were torn down last year during the passing of
Hurricane Omar, and at the new fishermen’s jetty that was constructed in
the Simpson Bay lagoon.
To raise the level of customer service, PJIAE is considering providing
ongoing training sessions for employees of PJIAE and its tenants, while
security personnel recently followed mandatory security guideline
courses, as stipulated in international aviation regulations. Also in
accordance with international regulations are the equipment upgrades in
planning for the Air Traffic Services (ATS) division.
CONFIDENCE
Drs. Holiday placed all projects in light of PJIAE’s unwavering
confidence in the future. He hinted that after months of doom and gloom
news about major losses in travel, the industry is starting to focus its
attention on the end of the recession. Reports speak of encouraging
signs that consumer confidence may be better than originally
anticipated, which could mean positive news for tourism. According to
the U.S. Conference Board, consumer confidence increased considerably in
April and May. That confidence is reflected in travelers’ intentions for
vacations and business trips in the next 12 months. In November 2008,
only 10% of travelers foresaw increasing their travel in the next 12
months compared to the previous 12 months; in April 2009, that figure
rose to 21%.
This represents exciting news for the tourism based economies of the
Caribbean. Drs. Holiday referred to earlier statements he made, in which
he forecast that St. Maarten was in for a dauntingly challenging year,
and said that with the end of the recession now in sight, all hands are
needed on deck to navigate onward. “While the recession was at its
highest, our airport operating company never relented in actively
promoting our island and our airport services and in doing so we have
even been able to attract yet another major aviation conference“.
PJIAE in 2009 also displayed its willingness to go to unprecedented
lengths to support its partners, the concessionaires that operate
businesses in the terminal building. Earlier this year the airport
company launched “So Much More” as the theme for its retail section; the
accompanying shopping guide – which is now in its second edition - and
website dedicated to PJIA retail, greatly aided in promoting the
versatility of the airport building.
With
the end of the worldwide economic recession in sight, PJIAE, the
Operating Company of St. Maarten’s international gateway Princess
Juliana International Airport (PJIA), is focusing on increasing its
traveler friendliness.
