Following the historic American Airlines flight to Ian Fleming International Airport, St Mary, two Saturdays ago, attention has turned to Negril, Westmoreland, once a rustic hideaway for freewheeling hippies who popularised its endless stretch of white sand beaches and turned the former Taino enclave into a global tourism hotspot.

Tourism interests and the Government believe the initial success of Ian Fleming airport can be replicated at the 48-year-old Negril Aerodrome, now earmarked as the next big aviation project that could alleviate overcrowding and longer wait times at the heavily trafficked Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz teased the idea of the Negril International Airport in his speech at the welcome ceremony for AA flight 4-007, saying, “[T]he Ian Fleming template could be used as the model and no doubt could be just as successful.”

To determine the viability of the proposed Negril International Airport, the State-run Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has retained a high-powered consultant, a former CEO of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) now with Brakkan Aviation Management, AAJ Chairman Mark Hart told the Jamaica Observer.

A section of the crowd lining the fence separating the runway to view the historic landing of American Airlines flight AA 4-007 at Ian Fleming International Airport, Oracabessa, St Mary, on February 24, 2024. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

The plan to hire an international consultant was proposed last year by Vaz, but Hart’s confirmation has gone further by naming the firm that will be assessing the current location of the aerodrome and to see what airlift it could handle.

“We have already determined that the current runway would have to be moved 150 metres — a parallel movement — south of the present alignment to be able to accept larger aircraft,” Hart said, noting that the assessment work would include potential identification of any other greenfield location that could accommodate larger aircraft.

Crucially, an international airport in Negril would be convenient to United States passengers, including tourists and members from the Jamaican Diaspora coming for business who have to land at Montego Bay and take the 2 1/2-hour journey by road to the bustling Westmoreland town.

“The site of the existing aerodrome is also desirable because of its proximity to Seven Miles in Negril. It’s ideal for visitors who wish to come in early for the beach and leave as late as possible,” the AAJ chairman added.

Airports Authority of Jamaica Chairman Mark Hart waves to the crowd as he disembarks the inaugural American Airlines flight at Ian Fleming International Airport, Oracabessa, St Mary.

Captain Marc Coley, the Jamaican-American who piloted the inaugural American Airlines flight 4-007 from Miami, Florida, to Ian Fleming International Airport, Oracabessa, St Mary on February 24, 2024, displays the Jamaican flag to commemorate the historic occasion. Captain Coley hails from Mona, St Andrew. (Photo: Joseph Wellington

Putting his considerable muscle behind the project, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said: “From Negril, passengers could access a 15-minute flight to St Mary, which borders St Ann and the famous tourist town of Ocho Rios, thus giving reality to the saying ‘Taking the path of least resistance’.”

He argued that with Negril having direct access to the United States, airlines and passengers would enjoy increased access to the marketplace, thus driving higher hotel occupancies, higher rates, and more investment by indigenous entrepreneurs.

Vaz sought to reassure environmentalists and residents concerned about adverse impact of an international airport on the area that their misgivings would be taken into account and factored into the development.

“I would also like them to know that, right across the Caribbean, similar sentiments have been expressed when such developments are being contemplated. What we have to do is find ways to satisfy their concerns while ensuring we continue with much-needed development,” he said.

Jamaican entertainment celebrities (from left) Terri-Karelle Reid, Ryan Bailey and Patrick “Tony Rebel” Barrett enjoy the occasion of the arrival of American Airlines flight AA4-007 at Ian Fleming International Airport on February 24, 2024

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz greets entertainment mogul Chris Blackwell at the welcoming ceremony for the inaugural American Airlines flight to Ian Fleming International Airport, Oracabessa, St Mary. Witnessing the moment also are St Mary Custos Errol V Johnson (left) and Marika Kessler, CEO of Goldeneye Hotel and Island Outpost.