The proposed expansion of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport in Anguilla was the subject of discussion this week among top level representatives of two investment groups, the Government, and the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority.
Commenting on the talks, the Honourable Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Victor Banks, said the expansion of the airport would be a major game changer for the island’s economic growth and sustainable development.
He made the comment following the discussions which involved his Government, the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority and the representatives of the ICA Group and the Vinci Airports Group.
The representatives of the ICA Group were: Messrs. Ali Nawaz Shaikh, Chairman and CEO; Simon Strauss, Chief Financial Advisor; and John Kane, Operations Officer. The ICA Group are the developers of the Conch Bay Development Legacy Project. It is a multi-project which includes a hotel, cruise ship terminal, marina, golf course and other tourism amenities. Mr. George Lake is the family representative for the Conch Bay Development Legacy Project.
The representatives of the Vinci Airport Group were Messrs. Massimo Bruzzo, Project Director, Business Development; Joseph Bou Naadar, Project Manager, Business Development; and John Green, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, TBI Airport Management Inc. The Vinci Airport Group is the largest private airport operator in the world. It develops finances, builds and operates 46 airports in 12 countries on three continents. The Group operates motorways, airports, bridges, tunnels, railways and stadiums in 20 countries. In December 2018, the Vinci Airports Group acquired the majority shareholding of Gatwick Airport in London.
A press release from the Chief Minister’s Office stated that the purpose of the discussions was for the Vinci Airports Group, in particular, to see at first hand the airport in Anguilla; and to discuss the process that the Government of Anguilla has to undertake to obtain the necessary approvals from the UK Government for the development of the airport.
The ICA Group outlined the importance of the development of the airport to the Conch Bay Development Legacy Project – and to all the other tourism sector projects in Anguilla.
Meanwhile, Anguilla’s Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Curtis Richardson, has underscored his commitment to seeing the expansion of the airport becoming a reality for the people of Anguilla. He is confident of its pivotal role for the overall development of Anguilla.
The Honourable Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Cardigan Connor, said he was excited about the discussions and the benefits an expanded airport would bring to Anguilla.
