| Governor announces new FBO | | Print | |
| Thursday, 08 December 2011 10:19 | |||
|
A positive sign that economic prosperity is on the horizon appeared last week when His Excellency the Gov. Ric Todd announced a $15 million investment project coming to Turks and Caicos Islands. “Such a significant investment commitment by a local company into our infrastructure shows that business confidence is building across the Turks and Caicos,” Todd said. During a media briefing Dec. 1, the governor said he was happy to be the one to reveal a new Fixed Base Operation (FBO) and private aircraft terminal is planned at the Providenciales International Airport. It’s expected to boost the luxury travel market to the TCI. TCI-based M Aviation Limited, Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) and the government have agreed on a commitment to develop the new FBO adjacent to the international airport, tripling the private airport capacity at the airport, according to the governor. TCIAA Chief Executive John Smith said more than over one-third of aircraft movements at the airport already come from private aircraft, despite accounting for only 3 percent of passenger traffic. In response to that demand, Smith said they have agreed to the new facility. The new state-of-the-art $15 million FBO will feature parking and hangar space for large and small private aircraft, modern lounge and crew facilities, integrated customs and immigration as well as full servicing of private aircraft. M Aviation representative Michel Neutelings said they plan to start construction in the spring and expect the new FBO to be open in time for the 2012-13 tourist season. He estimates the project will support 50 construction jobs during the build period and employ up to 20 personnel once operational. M Aviation has tasked GENIVAR, which recently managed the first stage of the expansion of Providenciales airport, with designing the new facility. The 45-acres of land being used for the FBO will be leased from government and the TCIAA based on the standard TCI government’s lease principles for a period of 99 years taking inflation into account. M Aviation is a TCI- based company owned and operated by a mixed group investors including individuals who have already made significant tourism related investments developing a leading luxury resort in the TCI. The governor said no concessions were given to the company to encourage the agreement. “We have a long term view on this,” said Neutelings. “Every indicator points to private jet travel growing over the coming years.” M Aviation also intends to promote and market the destination to attract more private jet travelers. “The private aviation market is showing tremendous growth as more and more affluent travelers wish to take advantage of the privacy, flexibility and convenience of traveling on a private plane,” Smith said. “A second FBO facility in Turks and Caicos will position us well as a luxury destination for the future.” Since buying out Sky Base in October 2008, the Provo Air Center has been the only FBO on Providenciales serving all private air traffic in the TCI. Representatives from PAC have raised concerns about a second FBO, stating there is not enough traffic to support two such operations. Smith said it was not their intention to dilute the market, but rather grow the market for the future. Smith said the new FBO facility, which will be located at the southern end of the airport, is an integral part of the overall airport expansion strategy and airport master plan. Phase One saw the extension of the runway to 9,200 feet and 36,000 square metres additional apron to accommodate B777-300ER and B747-400 aircraft on direct long haul flights, especially from Europe. This phase was completed ahead of schedule and within the fixed price $36 million budget. TCIAA is currently undertaking minor refurbishment work on the existing terminal, leading into the development work required to facilitate Phase 2, the terminal and car park project. Phase 2 is estimated to be a $30-$40 million investment with a construction time frame of two years.
|
Related Articles
Entertainment: Your Island Guide
|
Top things to do in April Top things to do in April 1. From Golfing to More... |
|
Valentine’s Day Cup 2013 model sailboat races The Middle Caicos Sailboat Association will once again present the annual model sailboat races at More... |
|
Lime and Tourist Board announce weekly Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board & LIME partner with Cultural Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist More... |
|
Turks & Caicos Reef Fun to host dazzling evening The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund will host its 2nd Annual Cocktail Party Reception on Jan. 26 at the More... |
|
Fashion Glam at Regent Palms The Regent Palms is inviting everyone to an evening of fashion and glamour at their event being More... |
Latest Community News
|
Cholera Clinical Management Training Held in the TCI Healthcare professionals from the TCI Health Services were trained in the Clinical Management of More... |
|
Illegal Haitian immigrants Intercepted Illegal Haitian Immigrants Intercepted, to the Repatriated According to the Ministry of Border More... |
|
Ministry of Health Reminding public about sanitation Health surveillance teams attached to the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) have More... |
|
Scholarship applications now being accepted The Ministry of Education has announced that they are now accepting applications for scholarships More... |
|
History and traditions stay alive at the 13th annual boat races in Middle Caicos The 2013 Valentines Day Cup welcomed many fun loving residents and tourists to Middle Caicos’ More... |