As Anguilla continues to develop, another groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 27th. This time it was on the grounds of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport where work on the new terminal is due to begin on April 15th
Chairman of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA) Board of Directors, Mr. Andrew Niles, welcomed the gathering which included not only officials and invited guests, but a large number of persons from the community as well.
Prayer was offered by Pastor Rondy Isles, and he thanked God for providing the financial wherewithal for the mammoth project that is estimated to cost some EC$300 Million. Pastor Isles also prayed for the protection of the construction workers who will be labouring on the site daily.
The Company AVIA NG of Canada has the responsibility for managing and overseeing all of the airport redevelopment. It has managed the auxiliary taxiway, which was completed a few months ago, and is now currently engaged in the project management of the new cargo and customs facility and warehouse. AVIA’s Principal, Greg Cueno, gave an overview of the terminal construction project.
“At AVIA, we are exclusively dedicated to the construction of airports,” he said, “and the redevelopment of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport for us is very exciting, We have worked on many airport-related projects, and this one is not just another project, but it is transformational in nature. This is going to be a game changer for Anguilla.”
“We know how important this project is to Anguilla,” Mr. Cueno said, “and it is equally important to us that it succeeds. Anguilla is a special place where progress happens.”
He commended the architecture team, V Architecture & Design Studio (VADS) with Raul Vanterpool, and the construction team of Aecon Construction. He promised that this construction company will certainly make Anguilla proud.
In describing the features of the new terminal facility, Mr. Cueno noted: “Over the next two years, this area will be transformed into a modern state of-the-art terminal building, a new car park, and an expanded apron. The building design has been a collaboration between our AVIA NG team of airport engineering professionals and local architecture by VADS and Raul Vanterpool.”
“The new terminal facility will be about three times larger than the existing terminal,” Mr. Cueno said, “with provisions for future expansion on the east and west ends, as well as provisions for a partial second storey.”
“On the opening day, it will able to accommodate an equivalent of a 100-seat aircraft and a 140-seat aircraft with 90% capacity at the same time. The terminal will provide ample room to move, shop and enjoy its ambiance.
“The terminal building is designed to accommodate forecasted passenger volumes for the next 20 years, and there would be enough flexibility for future terminal expansion and conversion of internal spaces to add even more capacity. The facility will provide 16 check-in desks and four food and beverage spaces. There will be also concession spaces as well for shopping. Essentially, the facility will accommodate ten immigration counters and a VIP lounge,” Mr. Cueno said.
He said the main commercial apron will able to accommodate four Code C aircraft at the same time, that is, aircraft as large as the Boeing 737 Max 8.
Other persons giving addresses during the ceremony included AASPA’s Acting CEO, Mr. Kendell Richardson: Airport Manager, Jabari Harrigan; Senior Vice President of Aecon Construction, Mr. Marty Harris; the Honourable Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley; the Honourable Minister of Social Development and Education, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers; the Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Haydn Hughes; and the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster.
The Vote of thanks was delivered by the Honourable Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Merrick Richardson.
