Archive for the ‘press releases’ Category
Airport – The fire protection level of Princess Juliana International Airport was affected today due to the non-reporting to work of Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel.
As a result of this situation the fire protection level was insufficient in the morning hours to execute normal aircraft operations. Following some measures the level of fire protection was raised to a category 7 allowing for limited aircraft operations as of 08:45 am.
The developments resulted in one delay and cancellations of 12 flights.
At 11:15 the fire protection level was restored to the normal level and operations at the airport continued as normal.
We regret the unfortunate situation caused by the lower fire protection level and apologize to the traveling public for any inconvenience caused as a result of this.
Princess Juliana International Airport operating company N.V.
Simpson Bay
drs. Eugene B. Holiday
President
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
Airport – The operations of Princess Juliana International Airport were affected yesterday afternoon due to an electrical problem. GEBE experienced a power outage. The power returned with a surge causing the main switch in the GEBE power house at the airport to trip. This prevented the electricity from entering into the building. The equipment that regulates the activation of our generator detected GEBE electricity and as a result the generator safety mechanism switched off the generator, leaving the facility without electricity.
The problem started around 02:45 pm after which the airport technical department immediately started to examine the problem to ensure that remedial measures were taken. At approximately 04:30 pm the issue was resolved and restoration of all affected systems began.
An information circular was sent to all tenants to inform them of the unfortunate events and to express our apologies for any inconvenience caused as a result of the incident.
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V.
Simpson Bay,
drs. Eugene B. Holiday
President
Aiport – As a result of recent developments and discussions relating to some of PJIAE employees represented by the union UFA we hereby announce the following.
Events effective this morning April 19, 2007, seem to indicate that some of the employees represented by the UFA have decided to start and resorted to taking actions. As a result we have instituted our contigency plan to limit the effects of said action on airport operations and to ensure and maintain the highest levels of safety and security at the airport. Until now the actions have been concentrated among the air traffic controllers. We anticipate that some adjustment to staffing levels will be necessary and that some flights will be delayed during this period. We have informed the airlines and other users at the airport of this situation. Specifically, the airlines have been informed, that in terms of air traffic control services, our radar services are temporarily unavailable and that procedural control services will continue as normal. Up to the time of this release, 18:00 hours, there were no disruptions to operations at PJIA.
We wish to inform the public at large that we are doing everything possible to restore normal operations and apologize to the traveling public for any inconveniences these developments may cause.
Princess Juliana International Airport operating company N.V.
Simpson Bay
drs. Eugene B. Holiday
President
Airport – PJIAE hereby announces that it is not our policy to discuss its personnel affairs in the media and definitely not the personal medical condition of one of our employees. We therefore deem it unfortunate that the UFA has chosen to discuss the personal dossier of one of our employees in the press and totally distance ourselves from this behavior. Further, we wish to note that the information printed in the Daily Herald of Saturday, April 14, 2007 and The Today of Monday, April 16, 2007 regarding PJIAE’s handling of the matter is inaccurate. PJIAE at not time offered to cut the salary, threatened, attempted to victimize or acted unlawfully towards the employee in question. Considering the above we deem it inappropriate that the UFA has chosen to use the unfortunate circumstance of the employee in question in an attempt to justify their intended actions.
Princess Juliana International Airport operating company N.V.
Simpson Bay
drs. Eugene B. Holiday
President
For immediate release:
The princess Juliana international Airport hereby advises that on Saturday January 27, 2007, the checked luggage of a passenger on US Airways flight from St. Maarten to Charlotte was isolated after it tested positive on our explosives detection system. In keeping with procedures PJIAE’s staff immediately isolated the suspicious bag and activated emergency procedures by calling local law enforcement authorities and emergency response officials. After establishing that there was no danger to life and/or property and having interrogated the owner of the suspect luggage the emergency was called off.
As part of our routine operations all checked luggage at the new facilities at PJIAE are scanned in the advance X-ray and explosives detection system to test for dangerous goods to safeguard civil aviation against unlawful acts. Based on today’s incident we can be assured that PJIAE has the systems in place to detect dangerous goods and act if required.
I hereby commend PJIAE’s staff, the airline and handling company as well as the emergency response officials for the professional and effective manner in which the incident was handled.
drs. Eugene B. Holiday, President
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company
AIRPORT – Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is continuously experiencing an influx of executive flights operations. We are pleased to have recorded an increase of almost 16% over the holiday season including the first week of January compared to the same period last year. From December 23rd, 2006 to January 5th, 2007 some 360 executive flights were handled at PJIA.
We have noticed that the market is changing. Executive jets are becoming more affordable resulting to more new traffic and use of bigger aircraft. The sight of Boeing 757 or 767 private jets at our apron are no exception. Also we have noticed more traffic from Europe and Russia. These markets have shown an avid interest in the yachting opportunities in St. Maarten.
Although our private jet market is experiencing increasing competition from our neighboring islands the market is growing. The jet operators prefer to station their aircrafts at PJIA, because our airport provides a safe, secure and service friendly environment. In addition, many pilots prefer to remain on St. Maarten, which provides them and their family members with a mixture in ambiance.
PJIAE has acknowledged this development and is planning the construction of a facility that is dedicated to corporate jet operations. This Fixed Base Operations (FBO) building, located west of the new terminal building will provide room for 3 handling companies with offices on the ground floor and their own lounges on the first floor to cater to private jets. In the FBO there will also be Security, Immigrations and Customs facilities.
Princess Juliana International Airport operating company N.V.
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
drs. Eugene B. Holiday
President
On December 30, 2006 at approximately 16.25 pm a twin engine Piper Aztec aircraft (PA32) registration N3332W en route from St. Barths to St. Maarten ditched west of the Caravansarai hotel in the Maho Bay.
The sole person on board Captain R. Hudson was rescued by personnel of a passing pleasure craft that saw the aircraft in trouble ditched into the sea along with personnel of the island fire brigade. Captain Hudson was brought to the coast guard station at the Simpson bay bridge where he was checked by ambulance and medical doctor.
The Air Traffic Control center at the Princes Juliana International Airport activated the emergency response at the airport rescue and fire services and security department, who initiated the emergency call-out procedure and notified all relevant authorities.
All pertinent emergency response groups amongst which local police, local fire & rescue department sea rescue and the coast guard along with PJIA management staff were activated and worked together to coordinate and effectively to handle the incident.
After confirmation from the captain and from St. Barths airport, that there were no other persons besides the pilot on board, sea rescue operations, whereby three (3) divers were on standby in the event that more persons on board the aircraft, were called off at 17:45 pm.
In consultation with the local chief of police lt. Governor F. Richards, head of the island disaster management committee and the members of the EOC, the rescue operations where called off at 18.15 pm.
Simpson Bay, December 30, 2006
drs. E.B. Holiday, President
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V.
Opening Address
On The Occasion Of The Inauguration Of The New
Of The
By
drs.
President of PJIAE N.V.
Your Majesty, Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good Evening,
I am very pleased and honored, on behalf of the entire airport community, to extend a very warm welcome to our Queen, Your Majesty Queen Beatrix on this special occasion. We sincerely appreciate Your Majesty’s presence and I therefore hereby express my thanks to you for according us the magnificent honor to share this landmark achievement with us and for accepting to officiate the inauguration of the New Terminal Building as your Mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana did for the original airport facilities in 1944. This shows that our airport has special ties with our Royal Family, ties we look forward to continuing.
This official opening ceremony is an important milestone in the history of St. Maarten because we are gathered to officially open the best airport in the Region and beyond. We of St. Maarten’s Airport highly appreciate the presence of so many distinguished guests who came from our neighboring Caribbean islands, from the Americas and from Europe to share in this moment with us.
This evening’s inauguration of the New Terminal Building gives the airport and the community of St. Maarten/St. Martin a unique opportunity to celebrate our strength and to reflect on and pay tribute to the values and spirit of the people who have helped build these facilities, and that we will. Above all it is an occasion for dedication to service for achievement, one that testifies to the potential of our people.
This New Terminal Building along with its supporting facilities, such as the Air Traffic Control tower to the North West of us, represents an investment of some 100 million US dollars or 18% of our islands GDP. It accommodates some 1.7 million passengers a year and provides employment for some 1000 persons making the airport one of St. Maarten most strategic assets.
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we stand in a festive mood before a truly imposing St. Maarten structure and St. Maarten institution, one that did not come about without challenge.
o The restructuring of the corporate and organizational structure along with the development and implementation of the required business and commercial approach, which were necessary to lay the foundation, which we stand on tonight, like all change, did not come without resistance;
o The translation of our wishes as operators and those of our airlines and other users into design and construction drawings by the Netherlands Airport Consultants, NACO, involved complicated and meticulous work;
o The difficulties of engineering a technically viable project of this magnitude were compounded by rising steel prices, thereby making the international tendering process for the engagement of a qualified contractor, as was found in Koop Holding Europe, even more challenging;
o The complications of planning and structuring a financially feasible project to raise debt financing, as a first time issuer on the international capital market, against the backdrop of the threat of terrorism and of an aviation industry in financial crisis, need no explanation, except that they were overcome, thanks to the confidence of the RBTT Merchant bank in the airport and in St. Maarten;
o And the critical task of selecting a strong and balance project team, comprised of individuals with diverse and sometimes conflicting personalities, to steer, manage and oversee the execution and delivery of the project according to specifications and within budget.
are but some of the challenges we have had to face, and which deserve more in dept treatment than can be given on an occasion like this.
Tonight however I am pleased and proud to stand before you and state that thanks to the commitment to our vision “En Route to New Horizons” and cognizant of the airports role as the engine of growth for the island; the personnel, external assistance, management and supervisory boards of directors – with the support of our Shareholders and the Government of St. Maarten -forged forward and overcame these challenges.
And as we celebrate, reflect and pay tribute it is equally important to project and envision the meaning of today’s celebration for our island’s future. With our terminal building designed to handle some 2.5 million passengers a year, today we can look to the future knowing that we have an international airport, fully equipped to cater to the service level demands of travelers and to accommodate the projected growth in regional tourism over the next 20 years, in a safe and secure manner. Yes we have an airport second to none with a beautiful modern exterior and uniquely outfitted interior, including jet bridges, an exciting airport shopping mall, expanded aprons, Common Use Terminal Equipment and 100% hold baggage screening, all within a colorful Caribbean theme of Sun, Sand and Sea.
Today’s inauguration of the New Terminal Building of St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport therefore, represents a decisive step to solidify St. Maarten’s position among today’s leaders in tourism and travel. This after almost a decade of thorough planning, dedicated execution, hard work and complete commitment to our vision and mission.
In closing I must publicly thank the great team of airport staff, airport officials, consultants, contractors, financiers and government officials who were instrumental to the realization of this St. Maarten landmark. I therefore ask all to stay on to witness and help pay tribute to these persons later this evening.
It is with these words of thanks and with the full significance of what this New Terminal Building means for our community, that I take this opportunity to invite all to participate in the further building of this St. Maarten Institution; The Princess Juliana International Airport; Your Regional Leader and the premier Gateway to the world for our dual nation island and the North Eastern Caribbean.
I thank you
The schedule for completion of the phase II works called for a phased handover by the contractor to PJIAE of various areas of and systems in the new terminal building for occupancy and use by airlines, concessionaires and PJIAE through September 15, 2006. Based on our overall inventory of the facilities on mentioned date it can be concluded that all areas, except for the airport executive offices, are available for furnishing by airlines and concessionaires. Essential systems such as the power supply to and the air-conditioning system in the building have been connected and turned on. Other essential systems such as the baggage handling system and the passenger bridges have been turned over and tested. The contractor has been requested to provide a revised schedule for the items such as the access control system and the escalators and elevators that still need completion. As a result the new terminal building is ready for tenants to move in but it is not yet ready for operations.
In fact the migration of the existing and future tenants (Airline, Retailers, Car rentals, and government agencies) to the new facility has commenced as various tenants have been granted access to their offices and shops to begin fitting out their spaces. The airlines offices and ticket sale counters are complete, allowing them to move in and start setting up their offices. Some airlines have already received the keys to their offices while others are to obtain theirs this week. The concessionaires outlets were handed over some weeks ago and the outfitting of their shops are in various stages of completion. Car rentals sales booths are ready and the offices and work areas for government agencies are available for occupancy.
With construction of the structures and installations of the systems almost completed we have now entered into the transition phase of the planning, which includes moving from the existing to the new terminal and training of personnel to arrive at operational readiness of the new terminal. Given the amount of new systems in the new terminal it is essential that all personnel are well prepared on the new systems and environment. This process is a major logistical and timing challenge given that the preparation of the new terminal to become operational is taking place while maintaining full operations in the old terminal.
PJIAE considering the pending works to be done by contractor and the various tenants is confident that it will, together with all parties involved, be able to activate operations of the new terminal and related facilities in the course of October 2006. The exact date of operations will be announced based on the level of readiness of all parties, this in view of the importance of a good start from a customer service perspective.
Simpson Bay, September 18, 2006
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company