Jamaica: Management of the Norman Manley International Airport to be privatized

New terminal building at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica. PHOTO/Jamaica Gleaner

Jamaica intends to privatize the management of the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston by March 2014. This was announced by the island-nation’s Transport, Works and Housing Minister, Dr. Omar Davies.

The privatization process will be implemented under a public-private partnership agreement, and a Cabinet-approved Enterprise Team has been appointed to “oversee the process”.

Davies further revealed that a 2004 Capital Development Master Plan, which is currently being updated, will serve to guide the process, as well as inform the capital development program at the Norman Manley International Airport.

This development will include the extension and widening of the runway and the establishment of Runway End Safety Areas – all consistent with International Civil Aviation Organization and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority safety standards.

Privatization of Norman Manley Airport’s management will make it the second such undertaking by the island-nation. Jamaica privatized the management of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay in 2003.