Airport concessions and service development were on the agenda when airport regulators and industry executives from across the Caribbean gathered last week at Maria’s by the Sea Hotel for the territory’s first “Airport Day.”
The July 9 event was organised by the Latin America and Caribbean branch of Airports Council International in collaboration with the BVI Airports Authority, according to Government Information Services.
The media and public were not invited, but after the event the government issued a press release and a speech delivered by Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer.
“After only becoming a member of ACI in 2019, we are proud to host such a prestigious event,” Mr. Rymer said in the speech.
“I need to also acknowledge [BVIAA Managing Director Kurt Menal] and his team for their perseverance to not just be a member of ACI, but to serve as an advisor on the governing board.”
The BVIAA will serve in this capacity for a total of two years, the minister said, adding that ACI has 712 members that operate in 171 countries.
“So today’s event is a testament to the strong and productive partnership between the BVI Airports Authority and the Airports Council International,” he said. “This collaboration is crucial as we strive to meet international standards and improve the overall passenger experience at our airports.”
Airport expansion
Mr. Rymer also said he was “particularly excited” about the “synergy” between the event and the government’s plan to expand the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
“As many of you know, the Ministry of Communications and Works, together with the BVI Airports Authority, is diligently working on the development of a comprehensive business plan for this project,” he said in the speech. “This initiative aims to ensure that the expansion is not only economically viable but also sustainable and beneficial to our community.”
Other speakers at the event included Mr. Menal and ACI-LAC Director General Dr. Rafael Echevarne.
Dr. Echevarne told attendees that ACI members have access to a global network of more than 2,000 member airports that manage about 95 percent of the world’s passenger traffic, according to GIS.
The one-day conference was preceded by a cocktail reception the evening of July 8.