THE GRANTLEY ADAMS International Airport (GAIA) is one of the cheapest in the region to use, says chief executive officer David Barrow.
At the official opening yesterday of Career Day, part of Grantley Adams’ celebration of International Civil Aviation Day, Barrow said the airport’s charges were less than many other Caribbean destinations.
And this he added was a “commendable competitive performance”, given the current economic downturn.
   “Over the past few years, there has been criticism of the level of taxes charged at various airports by governments in the region – which have been characterised as a disincentive to inter-Caribbean air travel.
   “Our research,” Barrow told travel officials and guests, “has revealed Grantly Adams is a cheaper airport for passengers to travel through than in St Lucia, Antigua and Grenada, although we are more expensive than Piarco [in Trinidad].”
The airport CEO noted the level of transfer passengers through Grantley Adams had risen by 58 per cent.
   Barrow also said GAIA Inc. was looking to improve work conditions, and would be launching its airport “master plan” by next year.
   This plan is to “govern the future of the airport for the next 20 to 25 years”.
   “At the moment we are completing the taxiway extension which will run parallel to the full length of the runway to facilitate easier ground operations. Another priority is the building of a new cargo facility.”
    Barrow said the recommendations for consultancy to enact the master plan were before Cabinet and, once approved, the study would be completed by next August or September.
   He, however, added that before the study could be done, the priority was to expand the cargo facility “to keep with modern standards”.
   This would see “a new parking apron which should accommodate multiple wide-bodied aircraft at the same time and a taxiway to allow them to taxi right up to the doors of the cargo area”.
   Barrow also mentioned the new Fire Service building which he said was open, although not officially, and a planned civil aviation building to be constructed at Charnocks. (CA)
