Jamaica plans to upgrade its aviation system with satellite-based navigation platform

Transport and Mining Minister of Jamaica Robert Montague informed that government have plans for advanced to upgrade Jamaica’s aviation system with a satellite-based navigation platform to boost earnings from aircraft flying through the country’s airspace.

Tuesday, 29th June 2021

Jamaica: Transport and Mining Minister of Jamaica Robert Montague informed that government have plans for advanced to upgrade Jamaica’s aviation system with a satellite-based navigation platform to boost earnings from aircraft flying through the country’s airspace. While addressing at the Ministry’s offices in Kingston, Mr Montague remarked that Jamaica averages earnings of $6 billion yearly from the approximately 11,000 aircraft currently utilising its airspace. Also, he indicated, however, that the current land-based system is limited, “because planes have to be kept 40 miles apart as they pass via our airspace”. “They don’t land here. They fly through our airspace, & we earn from it. We earn more money from the flights going via our airspace than those that land in Jamaica,” Minister noted. Further, he pointed out that the proposed new satellite-based navigation system will allow for aircraft to be kept 5 miles apart,“as we route more planes through our airspace and earn much more money”. Mr. Montague additionally advised that upgrading of Jamaica’s 3 international airports is ongoing, with resources being programmed for expansion, among other engagements, to reposition them to meet the growing needs for travel, while further suggesting that several aerodromes have also been renovated. The Minister announced that the Vernamfield Aerotropolis Development Project, which aims to provide international air cargo & logistics, remains pivotal for Jamaica to maximise the anticipated derivable gains from port expansions in Panama and Nicaragua. Mr. Montague also noted that Jamaica is now one of the significant players for seafarers, pointing out that, since March 2019, the country has “stepped up” when there were few points for ships to dock and for their crew to board and disembark. Due to coronavirus, whole world AIR BUSINESSES are in endangered and witnessed a huge loss due to this pandemic. As vaccination started at its peak in the world, including the Caribbean, so with this tourism industry is expecting some revival soon.