Airport – The Princess Juliana International Airport operating company N.V. will introduce an Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) as of July 1, 2007. The AIF, a temporary charge of US$ 5.00, is meant to help off set the cost for the improvement of the airport infrastructures and services at Princess Juliana International Airport. It is projected to be in place until December 31, 2011, subject to the development in passenger traffic.
The new terminal building and related works of the Phase II Capital Investment Project whick were taking into operation in October 2006, represents an investment of some US$ 92 million. The project was financed on the international capital market via a commercial loan. As is customary, airports usually introduce a special charge in addition to regular rates and charges to cover new capital investments. The AIF will go toward helping meet the financiel obligations among which the payments for interest and principle on the loan.
PJIAE maintains a rates and charges policy that reflects the costs of the airport infrastructure and services rendered and that is competitive with other regional airports in terms of value for money. “While preparing our business plan we have done extensive studies to review that the improvements would be executed considering our competitive position” said President drs. Holiday. “We received endorsement from Government with its approval of the phase II capital investment project” he continued.
The fee applies to domestic and international departing passengers. To facilitate a smooth passenger flow the AIF will be collected via the airline tickets. The temporary fee will be withdrawn when passenger levels increase to sustain the investment.
Princess Juliana International Airport operating company N.V.
Simpson Bay,
drs. Eugene B. Holiday
President