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[1]: $76M airports plan: Runway too extend 1,900 feet into North Sound
A new Airports Master Plan will involve expanding the Owen Roberts International Airport runway in Grand Cayman 1,900 feet into the North Sound, at a cost of $28 million, officials have confirmed.
URL: https://www.caymancompass.com/2023/05/30/76m-airports-plan-runway-to-extend-1900-feet-into-north-sound/
[2]: Airport Expansion and redevelopment at Cayman Islands Airport Expansion Newsletter February 2017. Airport Expansion Newsletter April 2017 The 2041 Airports Master Plan.Your voice has been heard on building a brighter future for the Airports of the Cayman Islands! The cayman Islands Airports Authority has now completed the 20-year long-term, sustainable progress planning of Owen Roberts…
URL: https://www.caymanairports.com/ceos-welcome/airport-expansion-redevelopment/
[3]: Stantec celebrates completion of airfield upgrades at Grand Cayman’s …
The Cayman Islands Airports Authority has recently completed the Stantec-designed reconstruction and expansion of airside infrastructure at Owen Roberts international Airport on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands…. The upgrades are expected to enable increased tourism and economic development for residents and businesses of the Cayman Islands.
URL: https://www.stantec.com/en/news/2021/stantec-celebrates-completion-airfield-upgrades-owe…a
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But with those new tourists from Europe and possibly Latin America would come demands for a more budget-oriented infrastructure that does not exist presently, but which is found in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, for example.
The othre matter to consider is whether now is the time to revisit the prospect of privatisation.
The halfway house that is the public-private partnership (PPP) seems to fit the demands of the Caribbean airport surroundings quite well, and there are examples of that not too far away.
Cayman Islands’ $76M Airports Plan: Expanding Tourism and Economic Horizons
Table of Contents
- Cayman Islands’ $76M Airports Plan: Expanding Tourism and Economic Horizons
- Interview with dr.Alison Smith, Aviation Expert and Consultant
- Q: Can you provide an overview of the Cayman Islands Airports Master Plan and its key components?
- Q: What are the expected benefits of extending the runway by 1,900 feet?
- Q: How does this project fit into the broader context of airport expansion and redevelopment in the Caribbean?
- Q: Could you elaborate on the public-private partnership (PPP) model and how it might be applied to this project?
- Q: What are the economic impacts and challenges of such a large-scale project?
- Q: how does this runway extension align with the long-term 2041 Airports Master Plan?
- Q: Could you comment on whether the emphasis on budget-oriented infrastructure is sufficient for the needs of diverse tourist markets?
- Conclusion
- Interview with dr.Alison Smith, Aviation Expert and Consultant
A newly proposed airports master plan for the Cayman Islands envisions meaningful expansion to the Owen Roberts International airport. This aspiring $76M project aims to extend the runway 1,900 feet into the North Sound at a cost of $28 million, paving the way for increased tourism and economic growth.
Interview with dr.Alison Smith, Aviation Expert and Consultant
Q: Can you provide an overview of the Cayman Islands Airports Master Plan and its key components?
Dr. Alison Smith: The Cayman Islands Airports Master Plan is a comprehensive 20-year sustainable growth strategy that involves significant infrastructure upgrades at the Owen Roberts International Airport. This mall project includes not only the 1,900-foot runway extension into the North Sound but also the reconstruction and expansion of airside infrastructure designed to handle increased traffic and support economic development.
Q: What are the expected benefits of extending the runway by 1,900 feet?
dr. Alison Smith: Extending the runway will considerably enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft and increase flight frequencies. This capacity expansion is expected to facilitate the arrival of more tourists,especially those from Europe and Latin America.Additionally, it will support the growth of the local economy by making the Cayman Islands a more attractive and accessible destination.
Q: How does this project fit into the broader context of airport expansion and redevelopment in the Caribbean?
Dr. Alison Smith: The Cayman Islands, alongside other Caribbean nations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, are investing in airport redevelopment to meet the increasing demands of a more discerning tourist market. This investment is crucial for staying competitive and attracting tourists who expect modern, efficient, and expanded airport facilities. The Caribbean is uniquely positioned to leverage investments like these to boost tourism and economic development.
Q: Could you elaborate on the public-private partnership (PPP) model and how it might be applied to this project?
Dr. Alison Smith: The public-private partnership (PPP) model is becoming increasingly popular in the Caribbean due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This model allows government and private entities to collaborate on major infrastructure projects like the Owen Roberts International airport expansion. By leveraging the expertise and investment capital of private companies, the government can successfully implement large-scale projects that might otherwise be financially challenging.
Q: What are the economic impacts and challenges of such a large-scale project?
Dr. Alison Smith: Large-scale projects like the Cayman Islands Airports Master Plan bring considerable economic benefits, including job creation, increased revenue from tourism, and improved infrastructure. Though, there are also challenges such as environmental concerns, community displacement, and financial risks. Careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and environmental assessments are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure project success.
Q: how does this runway extension align with the long-term 2041 Airports Master Plan?
Dr. Alison Smith: the runway extension is a critical component of the long-term 2041 Airports Master Plan. The plan envisions sustainable and continual growth, aiming to future-proof the airport against increasing traffic demands. By implementing this phase now, the Cayman Islands are setting a solid foundation for further development and infrastructure improvements in the decades to come.
Q: Could you comment on whether the emphasis on budget-oriented infrastructure is sufficient for the needs of diverse tourist markets?
Dr.Alison Smith: While budget-oriented infrastructure is essential to attract a broader range of tourists, it should also be balanced with providing high-quality, modern amenities. The Cayman Islands can look to triumphant examples in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, which have effectively managed this blend. Offering budget-pleasant options while maintaining high standards will ensure a diverse and satisfied tourist demographic.
Conclusion
the Cayman Islands’ $76M airports plan represents a forward-looking strategy to enhance tourism and economic development. With a comprehensive master plan, substantial investments, and strategic partnerships, the project promises to transform the Owen Roberts International Airport into a world-class facility. As dr. Alison Smith emphasized, careful planning, economic consideration, and alignment with long-term goals are crucial for the project’s success.
