Bangkok--1 Dec--eTurboNews
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands turned the switch which unveiled the name of the terminal building and officially opened St. Maarten's new terminal building at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). The terminal building is named after Queen Beatrix's mother who had passed away in March 2004.
After some 28 months of construction, the US $90 million project, according to airport officials, represents the first phase of the renovation of PJIA. Work has already begun for an extension of the runway.
The 27,000 square-meter addition nearly doubles the size and passenger capacity of the former facility, which is now designed to accommodate 2.5 million passengers per year. Airport officials note that the new airport terminal is constructed to meet the needs of travelers, offering ease of check-in and baggage re-claim and has all the modern conveniences expected at any world-class airport, such as automatic teller machines, shopping and dining.
Addressing the crowd of dignitaries, officials and St. Maarten residents, St. Maarten Tourism Director Regina LaBega said, "We are extremely excited about this project. The new airport facility is a welcomed addition to our beautiful island, and will offer visitors the kinds of comforts they expect from their destination choice. This state-of-the-art airport further demonstrates our determination in fulfilling our commitment to provide visitors to St. Maarten/St. Martin with the finest accommodations and service."
Ms. LaBega further noted that PJIA was the international gateway for both the Dutch and French side.
Eugene Holiday, President of the airport's operating company PJIAE, said he considered it a "magnificent" honor that Her Majesty would open the new facility. He noted that he remembered the opening of the first airport building by Princess Juliana in 1944.
"This is an important milestone for the island, as St. Maarten now has the best airport in the region and beyond. With 1.7 million passengers per year and some 1,000 persons employed at the airport, PJIA is one of St. Maarten's most strategic assets."
Aviation Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams commented that the new airport terminal is "not just another symbol of development and growth, but an encapsulation of St. Maarten's experience." Looking back at the old terminal building, Wescot-Williams wondered, "How we could have managed for so long?"