Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence - The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ)
The Board, Management and Staff of Airports Authority of Jamaica will celebrate its 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) on September 1, 2024.
The Airports Authority of Jamaica's (AAJ) 50th Anniversary
September 2024
Future Events
September 1, 2024
Church Service, Webster Memorial Church
September 8, 2024
Sponsorship & participation in MBJ/SIA Charity 5/10k Run/Walk.
September 21, 2024
Particiaption in International Coastal Clean Up Day
September 22, 2024
50th Anniversary Gala & Staff Awards
September 28, 2024
Publication of Newspaper Supplement
The AAJ was established as a self-financed statutory body on July 26, 1974, under the “Airports Authority Act”. It was initially entrusted with the ownership, management and control of Jamaica’s two (2) international airports – Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and Sangster International Airport (SIA). Operations commenced on September 1, 1974. In 1991, its portfolio expanded to include the domestic aerodromes: Tinson Pen, Ken Jones, Boscobel, and Negril. In 2011, the Boscobel Aerodrome, after being upgraded, was renamed the Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA).
As a statutory public body, the AAJ currently falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications & Transport (MSETT). It owns the three international airports and three domestic aerodromes in Jamaica. The AAJ provides concession administration and oversight for SIA (since 2003) and NMIA (since 2019), while directly managing operations at the Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) and the three domestic aerodromes: Tinson Pen, Ken Jones, and Negril. Additionally, the AAJ continues to oversee the long-term planning and development efforts across all airport assets to meet projected demand.
The functions of the AAJ include administering, controlling and managing prescribed airports and any other property vested in it under the Act, providing and maintaining necessary services and facilities for the efficient operation of prescribed airports, and granting leases, and concessions in respect of land or building.
Vision Statement
To build and sustain a world-class airport system, which facilitates private investment and partnership and positions Jamaica’s airports as the gateway to the Caribbean and the Americas.
Mission Statement
To develop a modern, safe and profitable airport system that is environmentally responsible, provides world-class service, and contributes substantially to the national economy while promoting the expansion of air transportation and its related industries
AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF JAMAICA MILESTONES(1974 - 2014)
In 1974 – The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) was established, under the Airports Authority Act, to manage and operate NMIA and SIA.
1974 September
- The AAJ commenced operations on Sept 1, 1974 as a statutory body, under the chairmanship of Anthony Alberga.
- The establishment of the AAJ amounted to a qualitative shift in airport administration, as effort was made under the new regime to concentrate on the commercial aspects of airport management. The airports were to become viable commercial entities.
- The AAJ set out with an ambitious programme to achieve commercial viability with plans to extend the runways and provide support services over a 10-15 year period.
1974 November
- The GOJ formed Trans Jamaica Airlines (TransJam) to augment the then domestic air taxi service market. There were flights coming into NMIA and SIA from the AAJ’s aerodromes located in Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and Negril. TransJam was designed to connect with incoming and outgoing international flights from the 2 major airports.
Beginning 1985
- Started the tremendous exchange of skills and equipment between Jamaican and Canadian Governments. This was made possible with the cooperation of Transport Canada, Manitoba Institute of Management and the Winnipeg International Airport. Significant improvements were brought to the airports. These included runways, automated support equipment, new arrangements for refuelling, more room for immigration procedures, new cafeterias, facades and walk in retail shops. An airsaide petrol station was built, Customs Hall improved. Standby generator and a main electrical substation were installed.
In 1990 the AAJ was given the operational responsibility for the four domestic aerodromes: Tinson Pen in Kingston, Ken Jones in Portland, Boscobel in St Mary and Negril in Westmoreland.
1996/97 Airport Reform & Improvement Programme (ARIP) commenced at NMIA (including expansion of customs hall, complete delayed baggage hall, purchase 2 fire trucks, architectural planning completed for departure lounge upgrade, aerodrome rehabilitation commenced).
2000 – 2001, ARIP & SIA expansion programme completed a number of capital projects (GA facilities at both international airport; Air conditioning & Lighting installation at SIA etc.)
2000 – 2001, ARIP & SIA expansion programme completed a number of capital projects (GA facilities at both international airport; Air conditioning & Lighting installation at SIA etc.)
2000 – 2001, Airport Improvement fee (AIF) introduced. This is collected from departing pax.
2003 -2004 AAJ 2-day Aviation Conference “Air Transportation- Connecting the Global Village.” & The book, “Jamaica: The Aviation Story” by Dr. Patrick Bryan commissioned by AAJ was published.
In April 2003 Sangster International Airport was privatised and is now operated by MBJ Airports Limited under a 30-year concession agreement with the AAJ.
In 2005 December Relocation of NMIAL’s Head Office to the Norman Manley International Airport.
The new Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall at NMIA became operational in March 2007.
In October 2003, NMIA Airports Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AAJ, was established as the airport operator for the Norman Manley International Airport under a 30-year concession agreement with the AAJ.
2008 October 21 Official opening of the new Departure Lounge on at NMIA.
2009 December, Crash of American Airlines Flight AA331
In 2011 January a 3rd International Port of Entry was established, the Ian Fleming International Airport, through the upgrading of the Boscobel aerodrome to accommodate and process international passengers.
In 2013 October, MBJ completed the runway overlay project, on-time and within budget.
2013/14 fiscal year:
- SIA was inducted by Airports Council International (ACI) into the Director General’s Roll of Excellence for 2014 for consistently being rated in the top 5 airports for the last 5 years; being one of only 6 airports worldwide to be so honoured.
b. NMIA was recognised by ACI as the winner of the “Best Grouping Category” in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- These awards are part of the ACI-ASQ (Airport Service Quality) international benchmarking programme
2014 October
- NMIA’s 7 year old netball team, which is part of the Business House Netball Association, won the Junior League for the first time by beating NWC.
50th Anniversary Media Kit
September 1st : Church Service - Webster Memorial
Information
