WESTERN BUREAU — The International consortium, MBJ Airports Limited, is fast tracking its US$180 million expansion and upgrading programme at the Sangster International Airport to meet the expected busy winter tourist season.

The season officially begins on December 15.

“We have done a lot of work on the project ahead of schedule especially to meet the high season,” Leonor Lozano, MBJ’s chief executive officer told the Observer on Thursday.

The multi-million dollar project began in July and was scheduled to be completed, on a phased basis, within five years.

Phase 1a, which was scheduled for completion in April, involves:

* rehabilitation of the north ponds and the installation of six boarding bridges at gates one to six;

* expansion of the ground transportation hall, the customs hall and the baggage claim area; and

* the installation of controlled security access, and an intercom system.

Phase 1b is expected to last for two years and was scheduled to follow the completion of those works on Phase 1a.

The work under that phase includes the construction of a hold room concourse to the east of the terminal, new aircraft parking positions, as well as expansion of the public address and computer security systems.

But yesterday, Lozano said that work on the first phase was near completion.

All of the six bridges, she said, have been installed and within the next week, two will become operational. The others will be commissioned into service by December 24.

“These bridges were suppose to come next year but we have them installed already. Also, some baggage carousels are already in place which were scheduled for next year, but because we are thinking of the high season we now have them ready,” Lozano explained.

She added that additional X-ray machines have been installed at the facility while upgrading work has also taken place on the flight and baggage information systems and the intercom systems.

“…We are definitely ahead of schedule and within budget,” Lozano stressed.

She was speaking to the Observer shortly after giving an update on the upgrading and expansion project at the airport, to members of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.