NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 4 AAJ 50TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE IT IS with the utmost pleasure and privilege that I chair the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) as we celebrate the agency’s 50th anniversary. The achievements of this organisation in a relatively short period of time is nothing short of incredible. The AAJ’s impact on nation-building affects all Jamaicans. We are an island nation that greatly relies on air travel to participate in the global economy. Almost every Jamaican citizen, even those who have never travelled abroad, has visited our airports to meet or send off loved ones. There are millions of Jamaicans in our diaspora that dearly hold on to their beloved Jamaica and connect with their families by regularly travelling through our airports. The business that AAJ has helped develop is the necessary infrastructure for our tourism economy, and in our 50th year, we are seeing record levels of visitor arrivals with projections for continued growth in the decades ahead. At the AAJ, we must be thinking long term. What will be the needs of our travellers in 10 or even 30 years from now? How will travel trends, technologies and expectations be planned into our infrastructure which are essential to satisfy the carrying capacity of our airports in the future? We already know that we will continue to expand our two main existing airports at NMIA in Kingston and SIA in Montego Bay, but will the AAJ build additional airports needed to develop new destinations and provide greater access and convenience for our citizens and visitors? These questions we find exciting, and at the AAJ, we are determined to make the best decisions for our future. I am truly honoured to be the chairman of our dedicated board of directors as we help to guide the extremely competent and motivated team of professionals who work at the AAJ. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our supportive portfolio Transport Ministry (MSETT) under whose governance we work to fulfil its policies and mandate for the people of Jamaica. Also, I would like to thank our several stakeholder partners, starting with GAP, the operating concessionaires, and the JCAA, our industries regulators, as well as the countless entities and people that make up the larger airport economy. As we mark this 50th anniversary milestone, I would also like to recognise the passionate aviators who have contributed to our success over these years. This is an industry of romance and passion. Flying is undoubtedly one of the greatest marvels of human achievement. Air travel is the ultimate facilitator of human connection and advancement. As we celebrate, we look to the future with all of this in mind. Thank you again to all of you who have been on this journey with us at the AAJ, as we celebrate the past and welcome the future. MARK HART Chairman Airports Authority of Jamaica Thanks for joining us on this journey from past to future AS WE commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), with the tagline, ‘Modernizing and Growing Jamaica’s Airports – Since 1974,’ I stand with immense pride and gratitude for the journey that has brought us to this historic milestone. Fifty years of vision, commitment, and progress have shaped AAJ into the world-class organisation it is today, and none of this would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our team (past and present), our greatest asset. Beyond the visible successes of our operations, from the modernisation of our two major international airports – Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and Sangster International Airport (SIA) – to the upgrading of Ian Fleming International Airport as our third international gateway, at the heart of our organisation is our people, who have been the driving force behind every achievement. We have cultivated Together, we will build on this remarkable legacy PLEASE SEE LEGACY, 6
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