Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator

Enhanced safety measures are to be implemented at the Norman Manley International Airport to satisfy International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

The Government is spending $10 million to extend the runway at the airport by 300 metres, bringing Jamaica in line with new regulations to be enforced by the ICAO in 2008.

Earlier this week Cabinet approved a submission from the Ministry of Housing, Water, Transport and Works to carry out the project.

Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Darby, deputy director general for regulatory affairs at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said the extension of the airstrip will establish two runway end safety areas of 150 metres.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Darby, this safety enhancement measure will put the Norman Manley International Airport on par with airstrips in a number of developed countries.

President of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), Earl Richards, said work is proceeding apace on Phase 1A of the Airport Expansion programme at the airport, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2007.

However, he told The Gleaner that the construction of a new multi-level passenger pier, which will enable the separation of arriving and departing passengers, is scheduled for completion in March, as part of plans for Cricket World Cup 2007.

In addition, he said the arrival and Customs exit will be upgraded, while the ticketing concourse area will be improved.

Commenting on other preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007, Mr. Richards said the AAJ would be using the peak season in December as a benchmark for what to expect for Cricket World Cup.

The AAJ president said special arrangements are being made to handle the teams, media and sponsors to facilitate speedy processing.