Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is elated to announce that the construction of the new air traffic control tower and combined services building at Howard Hamilton International Airport is almost complete. The state-of-the-art facility has a tentative finishing date set for November 30th, 2024. This project, following the execution of its contract on May 21st, 2020, officially commenced construction on May 18th, 2022, marking a significant milestone for aviation safety and efficiency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Despite the challenges that typically come with pioneering large-scale infrastructure projects, TCIAA remains focused on delivering a facility that will enhance air traffic management and streamline operations for both current and future demands. Here’s a look into some of the key project highlights:

•  Critical Phases: One of the key phases already underway is the installation of the Control and Broadcast (CAB) unit, a pivotal component that will enable the new tower to be fully operational.
•  Budget Adjustments: The original forecasted budget underwent uplifts primarily due to the significant costs associated with the CAB procurement and installation, as well as redefining provisional sums that were not outlined in the initially proposed project scope.
• Collaborative Efforts: The main contractor for the project is AE & S Construction Ltd, with BCQS Ltd serving as the Project Management Firm. Additionally, Aeronav has been engaged as a subcontractor responsible for the installation and configuration of the CAB unit. Together, these partners have played a significant role in driving the project forward, ensuring quality and adherence to the established timelines.

As a Design and Build project, a primary focus was aligning the architectural and functional design with the operational requirements of air traffic management while adhering to international regulatory standards. Given the inherent complexities of such construction projects, including defining project scope and ensuring accurate budget alignment, the TCIAA team underwent specialized training. This training equipped team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate the contract, resulting in enhanced project oversight and rigorous cost verification.

“Through this project, we have gained invaluable insights that have informed our approach to future developments,” said Wellenica Williams-Quant, the Projects Manager at TCIAA. “We have been able to refine our processes to ensure that we meet our strategic objectives.”

The completion of the new control tower is poised to deliver long-term benefits for The Howard Hamilton International Airport. The new tower will support safer, more efficient air traffic control operations, improve communication with aircraft, and will accommodate the increasing air traffic demands as Turks and Caicos Islands grow as a world-class destination.  The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and our external aviation partners, for their continued support and collaboration throughout this project.

Virgin Atlantic is delighted to announce the appointment of Sean Edwards as its new Country Manager for the Caribbean. With extensive experience in the airline and travel industries, Sean is set to lead Virgin Atlantic’s operations and drive growth in one of the airline’s most strategically important regions.

Returning to Virgin Atlantic after five years, Sean previously led the Loyalty and Travel department at Sandals Barbados and played a pivotal role as Commercial Manager for the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. In his new role, Sean will oversee teams in Barbados and steer the commercial success of Virgin Atlantic throughout the Caribbean, ensuring the airline continues to deliver exceptional service and operational excellence for its customers.

Simon Hawkins, Vice President Americas Virgin Atlantic , commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Sean back to the Virgin Atlantic family and to my team. His exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep understanding of our brand make him the ideal person to build on our successes and drive continued growth. I’m confident that under his guidance, we will strengthen our performance and seize new opportunities to expand our presence and partnerships in the region.”

Sean Edwards, Country Manager for the Caribbean, expressed his excitement: “I am incredibly excited to be returning to Virgin Atlantic and stepping into this new role. Leading such a dynamic and passionate team is truly an honor, and I’m eager to collaborate closely with our valued customers and trade partners. Together, we will continue to drive exceptional results, strengthen our relationships, and further solidify Virgin Atlantic’s position as the airline of choice in the Caribbean. I look forward to building on our successes and delivering record-breaking performance in the region.”

The Caribbean is a cornerstone of Virgin Atlantic’s global network, and Sean’s leadership will be key to strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities across the islands. This October, Virgin Atlantic proudly celebrates 26 years of flying between London and Barbados. The airline continues to expand its services, with both the A350 and A330neo now serving the Barbados route, demonstrating its commitment to providing modern, efficient, and comfortable air travel.

In addition to the long-standing London-Barbados flights, Virgin Atlantic’s inter-island services from Barbados to Grenada and St Vincent offer even more opportunities for local and international traveller’s to experience the beauty and vibrancy of the Caribbean