With the recent resurfacing of the runway, at the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (CJLIA), at a cost of some four million dollars, it is now very much stronger than before.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing and Tourism, has reported that the strength of the runway has been upgraded from PCN 22 to PCN 37.
A press release stated as follows: “The PCN of a runway translates to the load-bearing strength of the pavement. It reflects the runway’s ability to stand up to wear and tear of aircraft with a similar classification number on a consistent basis. This improvement therefore means that aircraft with a higher classification can safely operate more often with less wear on the runway’s surface. This surfacing is particularly timely as the Ministry seeks to improve the CJLIA classification as well as for an increase in airlift beginning summer 2021.
“The rehabilitation of the runway is a two-phase process which started with the removal of 20mm of existing asphalt and the replacing with 40mm of new hot mix asphalt in March, 2021. The second phase will involve the grooving of the runway to improve grip and the completion of the markings which is set to begin mid-June.
“Funding of the resurfacing was secured via the UK after a short series of successful meetings with Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Honourable Minister, Haydn Hughes, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.”
Meanwhile, commenting on the upgrades to the CJLIA runway, H.E. The Governor stated: “Resurfacing of the CJLIA runway represents the successful delivery of another project with additional funding outside the Anguilla Programme.
“This was a critical project to support the maintenance of Anguilla’s tourism infrastructure by ensuring the airport meets required operational standards and is able to support increased air traffic flows. The majority of the work was undertaken at night to ensure minimal disruption to flight operations. With thanks to the significant efforts of all involved, the airport will continue to play a vital role in tourism development for Anguilla.”
“The Honourable Minister (MICUHT), Haydn Hughes, had this to say: “I am pleased that H.E. The Governor was able to accede to my request for fundraising in such short order. This exemplifies the partnership that we are forging with Her Majesty’s Government – a partnership built on mutual respect and a clear direction for the development of Anguilla. The increase in the PCN is a cause for celebration. This increase will facilitate even larger aircraft and the resurfacing also ensures that we surpass regulatory standards for the aerodrome. This can only bode well for us as we move towards reopening Anguilla for local and international travellers and develop new routes into Anguilla.”
Minister Hughes added: “I wish to also thank the local heavy equipment operators, Anguilla Roads/Windward Roads, Darren Forbes-Batey, Kendell Richardson, Jabari Harrigan, Shaynis Connor, Bancroft Battick, Karim Hodge and the procurement board for working so hard to realise the completion of this important piece of infrastructure.
“In a true collaborative effort, Mr. Jabari Harrigan, the Executive Airport Manager, shared that “We are very appreciative of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Government of Anguilla for their commitment to the safety of the travelling public. It is our aim to not only meet, but exceed our regulatory requirements and this goes a long way in doing just that.”
