Airport operator Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) has received final approval from its board of directors to move forward with the expansion project for Curaçao International Airport in the Caribbean. When complete, the expansion will boost the airport’s capacity from 1.6 million to two million passengers a year.
The terminal expansion project includes the expansion of the passenger hold room area, construction of a new arrivals corridor to improve passenger flow, and installing a new jet bridge capable of accommodating large commercial aircraft such as the A380. The expansion will also increase the commercial space for new customer amenities as well as retail and dining opportunities.
Corgan has been appointed as the lead architect for the project with construction work beginning in January 2016, and completion scheduled for April 2018. As it stands, the project is two years ahead of schedule.
Ralph Blanchard, CEO of CAP, said, “From the perspective of CAP, there is nothing that prevents us from proceeding with the airport expansion as planned. However, an important factor necessary to allow us to proceed confidently with the expansion is final government approval, later this year, of the airport tariffs being proposed by CAP, which will provide the financial predictability we, and our financiers, need to finalize the funding arrangements.
“CAP is very pleased to actively promote the continued development of aviation in Curaçao, and to make the proposed investment, because we foresee a continued growth in passenger traffic, and we are confident in the future of Curaçao as a tourism destination and regional economic center.
“The two and a half year construction program will stimulate the economy of Curaçao, and upon completion will provide the operational and business platform that will make Curaçao one of the most aesthetic, competitive, and cost-effective airports in the Caribbean.”