The special-purpose company tapped to lead the revitalization of the territory’s airports in a public-private partnership with the V.I. Port Authority has opened an office at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, with an office at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix to follow soon, it said.
SkyCity VI Airports Company said the space will be home to key project team members and will serve as the company’s operational hub for the St. Thomas airport, providing capacity to accommodate project management activities, stakeholder meetings, and community engagement initiatives supporting what is known as the VIPA Airports P3 Project, according to a press release announcing the opening.
The special-purpose company, announced in March following a competitive bidding process, comprises Aecon as the developer and lead constructor, Tikehau Star Infra as developer, local construction partner J. Benton Construction, and operations and maintenance partner Avports.
SkyCity will take over long-term operations, maintenance and commercial functions in addition to its role in redeveloping the airports following the successful completion of the transition phase, with financial close expected in 2025, according to the release.
“We are thrilled to open our new office at the Cyril E. King Airport — demonstrating our commitment to maintaining a strong local presence and positioning our team to continue working collaboratively with VIPA through the ongoing transition phase while fostering relationships with the community and airport stakeholders,” said Steve Nackan, president of Aecon Concessions.
At the opening on Thursday, marked by a ribbon-cutting, SkyCity also announced it is supporting the Audi Henneman Legacy Inter-Neighborhood Basketball League through a donation to purchase trophies for championship teams and individual awards. The league comprises youth teams for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 18.
The company said it will share updates soon about its office at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport as well as its commitment to supporting similar initiatives that benefit the community on St. Croix, specifically the Elmo Plaskett Little League.
“Local investment is a key focus for SkyCity, and we are excited to establish this new space to support the comprehensive redevelopment of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ airports into state-of-the-art facilities,” said Christophe Petit, head of Tikehau Star Infra.
“Having SkyCity’s team on-site strengthens our collaborative approach to this project — a landmark infrastructure investment to transform and modernize the islands’ airports,” said Carlton Dowe, VIPA executive director. “Their local presence here reflects a dedication to understanding our community’s needs and delivering infrastructure that truly serves the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands and enhances the traveler experience.”
The VIPA Airports P3 Project is tasked with delivering enhancements tailored to meet the unique needs of each airport, focusing on modernization, improved operations and maintenance efficiency, passenger experience and sustainability, according to the release.
Passengers will also benefit from improved baggage systems, new jet bridges, renovated and expanded terminal buildings, greater resilience to extreme weather conditions and new concession areas, it said.
VIPA will receive annual rent payments and a share in airport revenues, and short- and long-term maintenance at both airports will be paid for by the private partner during the lease term, authority officials have said previously.
The authority has stressed that the partnership is not a privatization of the airports.
“Please note that this is not a privatization, and that term should not be used in reference to this project. The airports are not being privatized. This agreement will be a public-private partnership allowing for private investment and development of the USVI airports,” VIPA’s Public Information Officer Monifa Brathwaite told the Source in September.
The Port Authority has entered a similar arrangement for the revitalization of Crown Bay on St. Thomas, announcing in October 2023 a $250 million public-private partnership with Royal Caribbean Group and Cruise Terminals International to triple the footprint of Crown Bay and add a third berth to the facility, doubling the capacity of the port.
For more information on the airport projects, visit t VIPA Airports P3 Project website, skycityvi.com and SkyCity’s social media channels.
