The current Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA) Timehri terminal building cannot meet peak traffic demand, according to the contract for the US$138M airport expansion project, which says that a modern facility is crucial to support the development of the tourism industry.
The expansion project, which is being undertaken by Chinese engineering firm China Harbour and Engineering Company (CHEC), is also expected to see a reduction of airport operating costs, improve airport efficiency and increase passenger comfort. It includes the construction of modern facilities; a new two-storey terminal building, west of the existing one and several air-bridges to link aircraft to the new terminal; and the extension of the primary runway by an additional 1,066 meters. It is set to be completed over a 32-month period.
In November last year, CHEC announced in the Jamaican media that it had secured the contract, saying that the China Exim Bank will fund the construction of the modern terminal building and the