WESTERN BUREAU – Impressed by what he described as the on-schedule within-budget $190-million expansion work at the Sangster International Airport, Transport Minister Robert Pickersgill says the project will be a feather in his cap during his upcoming contribution to the budget debate in Parliament.

“When I make my budget intervention I will be able to gloat and to say nice things about MBJ Airports Ltd, (its CEO Jorge) Sales and his team,” the minister said, after watching a video presentation of the work done to date.

The second phase of the project (phase 1A), he said, will be completed with its 2006 scheduled completion date. Phase 1A, which was completed last month, included:

. the rehabilitation of the north ponds and the installation of six boarding bridges at gates one to six,

. the expansion of the ground transport hall, the customs hall and the baggage claim area, and

. the installation of a controlled security access system, an intercom system and an internal elevator to service vertical movement needs within the existing building.

Minister Pickersgill said he was impressed with a number of newly-installed sections at the international airport.

“I must confess that I never knew that that kind of construction work was in progress in such close proximity to a place that I come to reasonably frequently,” he said, alluding to the minimal disruption in passenger service as the work continues.

“The shopping arcade is looking resplendent and different and I am anxiously awaiting what will come into being pretty shortly,” the minister said.

Phase 1B of the project is in full gear and is expected to be completed in 2006. That segment will see:

. the construction of a holding area concourse to the east of the terminal, a new aircraft parking position and supporting taxi-way;

. extension of the fuel, hydrant and public address system and computer security system; and

. the renovation of the aircraft control tower.