Antigua’s V C Bird International Airport has started work on a new million terminal which will be completed by the end of 2013, to modernise the gateway and increase its capacity.
Speaking yesterday at the World Travel Market in London, Antigua’s minister of tourism John Maginley said the current airport, which was built more than 30 years ago, was not designed with today’s strict security regulations in mind.
He also added it is unable to handle the hugely increased volume of passengers passing through the gateway.
He said: “The airport is the first and last impression our visitors get so we want to make sure it is a great experience.”
Last Wednesday (2 November) the sod was turned to mark the start of the airport terminal’s construction.
Work is officially expected to start next month and be completed by December 2013.
The new facility will be fully air conditioned with new structures such as elevators, escalators and three jet bridges.
It will also include room for 15 duty free shops, two VIP lounges and increased space for immigration and security personnel.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has won the contract and will handle the overall project.
Zaho Zhongning, vice president of CCECC, said: “The new terminal will stand as a historical landmark in the decision-making process of the country, and will serve as a boost to the economy, the construction industry, and other aspects of the country while serving its intended purpose as a gem in the region and international aviation industry.”
Meanwhile, the non-resident ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, David Shoul, said the loan conditions required full Chinese participation in the construction of the terminal, but they have managed to negotiate for a significant use of local workers in the project.
He also said that 30% of the overall investment would be funneled into the local economy through the employment of local contractors and other services.
He said: “It is a standard stipulation of 100% Chinese participation in all loan and grant projects done by China.
However, we ensured that 30% of the project spending stays in Antigua in the following ways; subcontracting and labour, aggregates and building material, trucking, earth moving equipment, increased container arrivals leading to more container haulage receipts, agreements with the farmers to supply produce daily, consumption expenditure by the workers daily, other living expenses.”
(Source http://www.airport-world.com/news-articles/item/1145-antigua-starts-work-on-new-$48m-terminal)
