The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project is still on schedule to be completed by December 31, according to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.
In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Patterson said the new Arrivals and Departure sections have been opened to passengers. He added that two of the boarding bridges are operational while two more will be operational next month.
“There are other ongoing works at the airport: we’re preparing a new access road, a new roundabout at the airport and some internal works. So, CJIA is up and running. With the International Civil Aviation Conference Organisation (ICAO) conference coming up in November and American Airlines starting operations on November 14, we hope to show off the country and attract other carriers as well,” Patterson stated.
The new Arrivals terminal was made operational in September.
The remaining work includes placement of hoardings and striping of the runway (to reduce the risk of aircraft over-shooting the runway, or over-flying during take-off). The striping can only be done after the laying of asphaltic concrete on the runway.
“… even when all the works are completed, there is a one-year defects and liability and commissioning period. Therefore, while, the project will be handed over, you would see a workman or two going around to ensure that everything is functioning. We’ve commissioned all the washrooms in the new terminal building, but after three months we have to check it up,” Patterson added.
On completion, the $31.2Billion (US$150Million) project is expected to have four air passenger boarding bridges for Arrivals and Departures; a 450-seating Departure area, escalators and elevators in addition to an extended runway catering for larger categories of aircraft.
