No one can be happier than Deputy Premier and Minister of District Administration Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly to hear the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) formally announce its plans to expand the terminal facilities at the Gerrard-Smith International Airport on Cayman Brac.

The launch event took place last Friday (16 March) evening at the Brac Reef Reach Resort, with Government Officials and invited guests from the business and tourism sectors witnessing the unveiling of the proposed plans to expand the airport and eventually accommodate direct international flights to and from Cayman Brac.

The Hon Deputy Premier, who also addressed the gathering, applauded the Hon Premier McKeeva Bush, CIAA Chairman, other Board Members, the Director, CIAA staff and architects for their outstanding efforts and involvement in the design process.

“This move is to accommodate direct international flights. I have long waited for this moment for the plans to be revealed publicly and to reach for this stage. The expansion will be good for the Brac’s economy both in short and long term. We will truly have an international airport and this will put Cayman Brac on the aviation map,” she said.

Chairman of the CIAA’s Board of Directors, Mr. Richard “Dick” Arch, made the announcement. “The CIAA is delighted to announce that over the next few months, subject to approvals by the Central Planning Authority, our Board will oversee the commencement of enhancements and expansion of the Gerrard-Smith International Airport’s terminal facilities.”

The enhancements will allow scheduled non-stop service between Cayman Brac and the United States and elsewhere. Phase one of the project will accommodate a larger Ticketing Hall, enhanced Passenger Screening and Hold Baggage Screening facilities and the addition of outgoing Immigration counters. The Departure Lounge will also be expanded to create additional retail space and a larger restaurant. Office space is also being created for Cayman Airways as well as the airport’s Security unit. Phase two of the project will see enhancements to the Arrivals Hall (Immigration and Customs) as well as the creation of space for Public Health and Agriculture.

Ms. O’Connor-Connolly also noted an important reason for the expansion was to enhance security and passenger experience when travelling to and from Brac.

“Since the events of 9/11, the demands of air travel have changed significantly and therefore the scheduled improvements include an upgraded security area. The new terminal is designed to be user-friendly and to make the passenger experience more comfortable and efficient.”

She also cited the projects positive impact on Cayman Brac’s economy and Little Cayman.
“As more tourists fly into the Brac, we have high hopes that this will spin off into seeing that visitor go over to Little Cayman either by boat or by plane,” she added.

The CIAA appointed Mr. Nicholas Johnson as Project Manager for the expansion. Mr. Johnson, who will be working in conjunction with Mr. Donal McGrath of BDCL Architects, advised that, “Once the design and planning phases are completed the project will go out to tender for the submission of contractor bids. As the terminal facility is to remain operational during the construction phase, efforts will be made to carry out the additions to the facility with minimal interruption to passenger processing. The terminal building will extend to the east and west and there will be some temporary relocation, to allow for refurbishments to be carried out on the existing facility.”

CIAA’s CEO, Mr. Jeremy Jackson, remarked, “The expansion of the Brac terminal is being funded by the Cayman Islands Airports Authority. This project will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to the island’s economy which has seen its fair share of challenges since the passing of the devastating Hurricane Paloma in November 2008. We are confident that the ability to attract direct international flights, without the stopover on Grand Cayman for passenger and baggage screening, will provide even greater opportunities for local businesses in the years ahead. The CIAA looks forward to playing its role in the continued economic development of Cayman Brac.”