Archive for September, 2006
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