Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, took another step forward in its Capital Improvement Program when it signed a new concessions and lease agreement here on Wednesday with Arrindell Aviation by Signature NV, owned by Signature Flight Support, the world’s largest fixed base operation (FBO) and distribution network for business aviation services. The agreement would allow Signature to operate fully from the new, ultra-modern Fixed Base Operation (FBO) facility, which will be constructed by SXM.
The non-exclusive agreement calls for Signature to offer passenger, ground handling, and into plane fuel services for General Aviation (“GA”) from the new FBO Terminal.
“This is the first agreement we are signing for the new FBO facility that is expected to be finished in 2016,” said Regina LaBega, SXM managing director. “We are very proud of our relationship with Signature and this agreement can be seen as a vote of confidence in the direction SXM has embarked upon.”
Signing on behalf of Signature was Maria Sastre, President and COO for Signature Flight Support who remarked that, “Signature’s acquisition of Arrindell Aviation Services in 2011 was our first foray into the Caribbean.”
“This agreement is the result of the airport’s management team and Signature’s Flight Support working together to bring positive economic impact and infrastructure growth to the community. We have relationships with over 120 airports around the world – our relationship with Princess Juliana International Airport is at the top of the list,” Sastre said.
According to Sastre, “General aviation is critical to the region’s economy and Signature supports the growth of this dynamic industry here in St. Maarten. We want to ensure that our premium services continue to build the reputation of St. Maarten as a high end leisure destination that services the most discerning customers in the world.”
Sastre thanked SXM managing director and the Supervisory Board of Directors, as well as the Board of the Holding Company that “demonstrated their support by approving this world class facility.”
Construction on the new FBO facility is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2015 and will become operational by mid-2016.
