KINGSTON, Jamaica – Work is under way on an $8.1-billion project to reconstruct and upgrade the aircraft apron at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), as part of a major modernisation programme at the Kingston facility.
The project, partly funded by the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), is being undertaken by PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the airport operator and a subsidiary of Mexican airport company Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).
Cemex has been contracted to reconstruct the airport’s 109,270-square-metre operational apron, where aircraft park to load and unload passengers and cargo, refuel and receive ground services.
According to PACKAL, the new, thicker concrete pavement will be designed to accommodate next-generation aircraft, including the Airbus A321neo and A321XLR. The project also includes upgrades to the airport’s storm-water drainage system.
The existing concrete surface is being demolished in sections and replaced with new concrete slabs. Construction is being carried out in eight phases to allow the airport to remain fully operational throughout the 18-month project.
During a tour of the project earlier this week, Cemex Jamaica Country Manager and Carib Cement Managing Director Jorge Martinez said the project was providing an opportunity to introduce advanced construction technology to Jamaica while trengthening the company’s partnership with PACKAL.
“I feel very proud of this partnership,” Martinez said.
He said the technology could also be applied to highways, rural roads and other infrastructure projects across Jamaica, while highlighting the transfer of technical expertise between Cemex and local contractors.
The project is currently supporting 154 jobs, including 56 direct and 98 indirect positions. Cemex has also engaged four Jamaican subcontractors for aggregates, machinery, haulage and electrical services.
Minister Transport Daryl Vaz, who toured the site at PACKAL’s invitation, said he was satisfied with the safety measures in place to protect workers while allowing airport operations to continue.
Vaz described the investment as a “state-of-the-art” project that could enhance the airport’s capacity and relevance for the next 35 to 40 years while strengthening Jamaica’s tourism product.
“With the specifications for this in place, we can carry this airport into the future in terms of aviation. This is significant and far-reaching,” he said.
Vaz said the improvements form part of the concession agreement between GAP and the Government of Jamaica and commended the AAJ, Cemex and other project partners for maintaining the pace of construction despite the technical demands of the project.
“This shows that we are moving apace with world standards. This for me is very significant,” he said.
AAJ Chairman Dr Douglas Lindo described the project as a “magnificent demonstration of partnership” between Jamaica and Mexico, while highlighting the transfer of technical skills as Jamaican workers and contractors collaborate with the international project team.
PACKAL Chief Executive Officer Hector Cortes also pointed to the skills-transfer benefits of the project, saying the company remained committed to creating value for Jamaicans and the local economy.
