The government earlier this week signed a contract valued at $34- million US dollars, for the expansion of the runway at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Transport and Mining Minister Audley Shaw says despite the challenges brought on by the covid-19 pandemic, the country’s airports have remained fully operational. He also expressed the government’s commitment to further maximize the potential of Jamaica’s aerospace. The upgrade works to the runway at the will increase the declared takeoff run by 398 meters, from 2662 meters to 3060 meters as well as the provision of an additional 90 metres of a runway safety area at both ends of the strip.
Minister Audley Shaw says the expansion will accommodate direct flights from more distant locales such as Asia. The expansion will also include a perimeter road and fencing works in addition to a shoreline protection project. The contract valued at $34- million US dollars was awarded to the UK-based firm lagan aviation and infrastructure. Shaw notes that the pandemic has significantly affected the country’s aviation traffic and although there are signs of recovery, full recovery is not expected until 2025.
He spoke to significant upgrades to airports across the island in the near future.
