PJIAE’s FBO Facility a gem in its own right

A true aviation gem, PJIAE’s Fixed Based Operations (FBO) building can hold its own. The building was officially handed over to the main private jet handlers –TLC and Arrindell Aviation- a few months ago. The sheer uniqueness of an airport in the region that has a dedicated building for private jet operations explains why PJIAE remains in the lead of the aviation industry. Anyone who has the opportunity to visit and tour the facility would agree.

The FBO building is located west of the airport terminal, adjacent to the Menzies building; during the construction of the terminal building, it housed the Planning and Project Department. When PJIA operations migrated to the new building, TLC was then temporarily moved into a container office.

Earlier this year the Facility Maintenance Department started with remodelling works. The building divided in two sections, to facilitate comfortable operations by both handlers. TLC’s offices are in the western part of the building; Arrindell Aviation Services uses the south eastern side. Entrances/exits for private jet passengers are on the north landside) and south side.

Both companies have lounges for their passengers, which, like their offices are decorated in company colors. There are lounges for the private aircraft crews.
The building not only sets PJIA apart as an airport, but also hints at St. Maarten’s appreciation of the importance of the private jet industry. St. Maarten handles hundreds of private and corporate jets every year, with a peak in the Christmas season.

And the outlook remains good. There have been massive orders placed for new jets, many with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and expectations are that hundreds of these planes, on their way to their owners, could be stopping over in St. Maarten. There is an increase in charter flights by companies like NetJets, because big corporations cut down on flying their own corporate jets and shifted to rentals and charters when they need to fly. There also seems to be an upswing in private jet operations originating from Europe, as tourists from countries such as Switzerland shift their interest toward St. Maarten.
 

The FBO building therefore comes at an opportune time. With its own entrance from the Airport Boulevard, the FBO building is an upscale facility that caters to passengers who demand, and or willing to pay for special service.

PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday says the facility is not just about providing more luxury, but a lucrative business decision.“Adding a dedicated FBO facility to our airport product was a natural decision, as our objective is to remain a Regional Leader in Aviation,” he said.

The President said PJIAE recognizes the importance of the private jet industry to St. Maarten and is committed to provide the services this high end industry requires."We are ideally located to provide a top quality service to operators who regularly used our airport for their private and charter operations,” he said.
The facility has definitely improved the handling of private jets. As they are picked up from their aircraft by the handlers, passengers have only a short distance to walk from airside to landside and vice versa. There is a facility for Immigrations and passengers’ luggage is also handled in the FBO facility.

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