Archive for January, 2007
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