Small aircraft operator at the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St Mary, Joe Issa, has given the thumbs up to the start of expansion works at the facility, stating it will improve traffic capacity.
“I applaud the authorities for their vision. The renovation is necessary for adding capacity to the airport. This will make it more attractive to aircraft operators, both regarding an increase in normal traffic and as a hub for the wider Caribbean.
“Its location is pivotal in boosting high-end visitor arrivals to the north coast to utilise existing tourism plants, as well as investors seeking to build hotels and homes in the area.
“And with Jamaica being the leading country in the region regarding airport terminal facilities, the renovations will better position it as a hub for aircraft that are scouting the Caribbean for pleasure and business but need a strong and reliable base from which to operate,” said Issa.
As executive chairman of Cool Group, Issa uses small aircraft to ferry business executives from airports in Kingston, Montego Bay and Negril, as well as the Ian Fleming International Airport which serves the Ocho Rios area where the corporation is headquartered.
Minister of National Security and Member of Parliament for St Mary Western Robert Montague, who reportedly made the announcement, said the expansion works would help in making the airport a regional hub, informing that two airlines were awaiting the completion of the project to make the airport their base. He says the government has already received the applications, according to a Gleaner report.
Joseph Issa, Jamaica, Sea, Sand and Sun 