The Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, in collaboration with the Board and Management of the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Inc., is seeking to position the facility as the premier southern aviation hub.
Following a tour of the airport on Wednesday, Senator Lisa Cummins stated “there is a revenue generation opportunity and a developmental opportunity at the Grantley Adams International Airport as a southern aviation hub and a southern logistics hub”.
She noted that even though GAIA Inc. was moving towards a Public-private partnership arrangement, the vision for the airport to become the premier southern aviation hub for cargo and logistics remains a primary goal.
Minister Cummins pointed out that at a time when the airport was being affected by low passenger arrivals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, she, along with ministry officials, met with the Board and Management to discuss how to rectify, in the short term, some of the challenges being faced.
“We are working closely together throughout the course of today and into the rest of the week, along with our health officials, to address some of those challenges,” she stated.
A delegation, including Permanent Secretary Donna Cadogan; GAIA Inc.’s CEO, Hadley Bourne; Chairman of the Board, Vic Fernandes; and Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc.’s acting CEO, Robert Chase, was taken on a guided tour by GAIA Inc.’s Deputy CEO, Terry Layne.
During the tour, they were able to observe processes in the arrival and departure areas; interact with some of the proprietors of small shops opened in the departure area; and view cargo and private hangar facilities.
Senator Cummins stressed that one of the priorities for management at the airport continues to be ensuring that the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ COVID-19 protocols are adhered to, as they provide a safe environment for passengers and staff.