NEW FACILITIES COMMISSIONED AT NORMAN MANLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right) cuts the ribbon at the entrance to one of the new jet bridges. Assisting her are from left to right: Mayor Desmond McKenzie; Rev. D.W.B Alexander; State Minister Richard Azan (partly hidden) and Opposition spokesman on transport, Mr. Mike Henry.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller commissioned into service 4 new jet bridges, a new two level passenger pier and a Fire and Rescue Vehicle at the Norman Manley International Airport on Wednesday, July 4, 2007.

The new passenger pier accommodates departing passengers on the upper level and arriving passengers on the lower level, a situation which is in keeping with international regulatory requirements.

The jet bridges have been added to provide convenience for passengers as they move from the aircraft to the terminal building and will see five more being added by the end of the year.

The new Oshkosh Striker 3000 Fire and Rescue vehicle is expected to enhance the firefighting capabilities and to protect customers at the NMIA.

The new ticketing concourse located on the ground floor of the Departures Building was opened for service prior to the commissioning ceremony. The new Departures Lounge on the upper floor is scheduled for completion and opening later this year.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Prime Minister hailed the work going at the airport as befitting of an airport in the 21st century. She said that she was impressed with the new look facility especially against a background where it gives persons the first and last impression when leaving the island. She pledged her support for the remainder of the project and asserted that she would be back at the airport on the completion of the project to open it.

For his part, Minister Robert Pickersgill noted that the work taking place at the NMIA is part of the long term development modernisation plan for both of the island's international airports. He too expressed his delight at the upgraded facilities noting that, "every time another aircraft taxis down the full 8,786 metres of our runway, let us feel adequately represented as we seek to send our ambassadors abroad or welcome visitors to our unique piece of paradise."

Present with the PM at the ceremony, were Minister Robert Pickersgill, MP for the area, Minister Philip Paulwell, Mr. Dennis Morrison, Chairman of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), Hon. Richard Azan, State Minister in MHTWW, Director General in the MHTWW, Mrs. Genefa Hibbert as well as numerous others from various stakeholders in the air transport industry.