Ministry of Transport & Works
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MTW pursuing development of domestic air transportation
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MONTEGO BAY(JIS):
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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| Minister of Transport and Works, Hon Mike Henry |
Minister of Transport and Works, Hon Michael Henry, says his Ministry will re-engage the development of the domestic air transport sector, as a critical part of the multi-modal transport policy it is seeking to implement.
Mr. Henry pointed to the Boscobel Aerodrome in St. Mary, as a case in point which, he says, will soon be the third international port of call within the Jamaican aviation network.
"It will be the third international port of entry into Jamaica, (and) it will be equipped with all the Immigration and Customs (facilities) that is necessary," he stated.
He added that the overall focus would be to create a network of airports, with a view to expanding communications.
He was addressing a joint function to mark the opening of MBJ Airports Limited's new domestic terminal at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay St. James, and the launch of Jamaica Air Shuttle, a new domestic inter-island air service.
Mr. Henry stated that the airport development programme is just part of the multi-modal transportation policy of his Ministry, which involves the development and connectivity of road, sea, rail and air transportation sectors.
He said that this will include the development of Vernamfield as an air cargo hub in southern Clarendon, plus the establishment of logistics centres.
"All this is being complemented by an international approach, to ensure that Jamaica moves from merely air service agreements and more into an open skies policy approach," he said.
He said that he will be taking an open skies policy document to Cabinet, as soon as possible.
Mr. Henry also announced the formation of Jamaica Far East Cargo Limited, owned by investors from the Far East, which will be pursuing flights to Jamaica shortly. He pointed out that the company needs no Government support or guarantees, and is fully registered.
The company will fit perfectly into the multi-modal transportation plans his Ministry is pursuing, with respect to the transportation of cargo to, within and from Jamaica, Mr. Henry said.
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