Shaw hails new Departures Retail Area at the Sangster Int’l Airport
ST JAMES, Jamaica – The new Departures Retail Area at the Sangster International Airport is being hailed by Minister of Transport and Mining, Audley Shaw, as a welcome addition to the passenger experience, which is critical to the overall success of an airport.
“Every step of the customer journey on arrival and departure is an opportunity to win the heart of a visitor, so that they will choose to visit Jamaica repeatedly. We want our passengers to develop an emotional connection to our country and, by extension, Sangster International Airport, creating ‘wow’ experiences at each step of the journey that will draw them back to Jamaica,” he pointed out.
Shaw was delivering the main address at the grand opening of the facility in St James on December 14.
He noted that the Departures Retail Area, which includes a food court, is part of the programme of upgrading that has been taking place at the airport.
“We are not just happy with the physical appearance but also all the human development taking place… the professionalism of the staff, etc,” the minister said.
He said that the government is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that Jamaica becomes a regional aviation hub and the “the pride of the Caribbean”.
“The Ministry is excited to see the direction in which we are heading and must commend MBJ Airports Limited (operators of Sangster International) for the work they have done to make this airport a world-class facility and in the true Jamaican spirit,” he noted.
Shaw said that “this is a pivotal time for our aviation industry”, noting that despite the setback caused by COVID-19, Jamaica’s recovery continues to outpace other territories.
Meanwhile, he cited the October 6 Airports Council International World Report, which indicates that air travel should see a continued uptick in the second half of 2022, moving the industry closer to full recovery, which is still forecast for 2024.
He noted that during the first two quarters of 2022, global passenger volume was 1.3 billion and 1.7 billion, representing 62 per cent and 75.2 per cent of 2019 levels, respectively.
