Spanking new CJIA facilities in weeks

Members of the travelling public will soon enjoy a spanking new departure and arrival lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The announcement was made by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson during a tour of the facility on Friday.

Members of Parliament (MPs), the private sector and other stakeholders were given a guided tour of ongoing expansions works at the airport.

Minister Patterson said the facilities constructed as part of the airport’s upgrade will be handed over shortly by contractor China Harbour and Engineering Company (CHEC).

“In a few weeks we will be opening sections of the airport, so this is our last chance to make any artistic adjustments. The departure lounges we saw downstairs will be opened for use next week. Progressively we will put one airline there from next week … and if everything is perfect we will move all the others there,” the Minister is quoted as saying in a Department of Public Information (DPI) article.

Minister Patterson disclosed that the new arrival terminal will be opened in June.

Bids for automated kiosks to scan passports and speed up the immigration process are being sought.

“The Minister of Citizenship, the airport authorities and the Ministers of Public Telecommunications and Business are seeking bids for automated kiosks for to scan your passport and go directly to immigration,” Minister Patterson said.

Further, the airport has incorporated Guyanese craft and pictorial images in keeping with a request made by President David Granger to ensure that the airport is uniquely Guyanese.

Efforts continue to improve facilities at the country’s main airport and attract international air service providers even as the country prepares for an influx of travellers with first oil expected in 2020.