Corporate travel to St Maarten is to return to a more relaxed setting as Princess Juliana International airport prepares to upgrade its fixed base operations. Airport management are meeting with potential contractors who will present the Request For Proposal and project renderings.

The remodelling of the existing FBO will allow travellers to move through processing more efficiently and offers a more spacious area with a passport control, customs and a security point. The new design now calls for a two-storey building so the administrative offices of the FBO operators can remain in the compound but relocate upstairs. FBO operators include ExecuJet and Arrindell Aviation by Signature NV.

Arrindell Aviation general manager Matumi Shigemoto says: “This new development of our current facilities at the FBO building is extremely welcome. It will give both Princess Juliana International airport and St Maarten a positive and much needed sign of our seriousness in regaining our market share in the general aviation business. Our customers and staff have been having very challenging experiences with our current condition post hurricanes Irma and Maria, and it's extremely important that we make progressive and positive steps in rebuilding our brand and leadership role in the Caribbean.”

Shigemoto also pointed to the fact that Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Antigua have been enjoying the growth of their market share while St Maarten still recovers. He adds: “But we need to bounce back and show that we are resilient and that we will be back stronger and better than we were before.”