GRENADA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS 30-YEAR
MASTER PLAN TO TRANSFORM MAURICE BISHOP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
GRENADA AIRPORTS
AUTHORITY
PROJECT
DIRECTED BY: GARY SMITH
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING
GRENADA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS 30-YEAR MASTER PLAN
TO TRANSFORM MAURICE BISHOP
GRENADA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA), Grenada’s primary gateway to the world, is in the midst of a significant transformation as part of an ambitious 30-year master plan. This comprehensive redevelopment, led by the Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) under the guidance of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Edgar Stephen, aims to revolutionise the airport’s infrastructure, operations, and services to support Grenada’s long-term economic growth, tourism, and trade. The plan is set to make MBIA one of the most advanced and efficient airports in the Caribbean region.
A Vision for the Future: Strategic Leadership
Edgar Stephen, who assumed the role of CEO in December 2023, brings with him valuable experience from the aviation industry. Before joining the GAA, Stephen managed the Hewanorra International Airport in St. Lucia, where he oversaw a successful $200 million redevelopment project. His tenure in St. Lucia included navigating the aviation sector through the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a significant downturn in travel and tourism across the Caribbean. Now, he’s leveraging that expertise to modernise Grenada’s airport infrastructure, ensuring
MBIA is equipped to handle future challenges and opportunities.
Stephen emphasises that the MBIA redevelopment is guided by both a “fiveyear strategic plan” and an overarching “30-year master plan.” Together, these initiatives aim to position Grenada’s airport as a state-of-the-art facility capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation, trade, and tourism. Since taking on the role, one of his primary goals has been to revamp the airport’s management systems and human resources to align with global best practices, stating, “We’re still expected to run as any other airport would while these changes are taking place.”
Master Plan and Business Plan: A Holistic Approach
The 30-year master plan is designed to work in tandem with a comprehensive business plan, creating a blueprint that addresses both the physical infrastructure
of the airport and its operational and financial sustainability. This dual approach aims to modernise the airport while also fostering economic growth for Grenada as a whole. Funded in part by the World Bank, the master plan includes several critical initiatives that focus on enhancing infrastructure, safety, security, and sustainability.
One of the core components of the plan is the introduction of advanced technology and infrastructure upgrades. The airport will see the installation of new surveillance systems to improve security, night landing facilities to increase accessibility, and the implementation of a sea defence strategy. Given its coastal location, MBIA is vulnerable to flooding and extreme weather events, especially during hurricane season. The sea defence measures are expected to mitigate flood risks, reducing long-term costs associated with flood damage, and ensuring the airport remains operational even in adverse weather conditions.
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This comprehensive redevelopment aims to support not just the airport but also the nation’s broader economic landscape. The GAA envisions that the master plan will promote greater trade, tourism, and investment in Grenada, with the potential to impact neighbouring Caribbean countries positively. As part of the business plan, the airport will expand its duty-free shopping areas, enhance revenue streams, and establish partnerships with more airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. These partnerships will help to increase connectivity with North America and Europe, making Grenada more accessible to international travellers and trade partners.
Sustainability and Renewable Energy Initiatives
Sustainability is at the core of the airport’s redevelopment strategy, reflecting
Grenada's commitment to environmentally responsible growth. One of the standout features of the plan is the transition to renewable energy sources. The airport is set to implement a solar-powered lighting system, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. This move aligns with global efforts to minimise the environmental impact of aviation operations and will help lower the airport's operational costs over time, making it more economically viable.
Additionally, the GAA has launched a “Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Reduction Initiative,” which aims to significantly reduce the number of plastic bottles and other single-use plastics ending up in landfills. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving local governments and the International Civil Aviation Organisation, positioning MBIA as a leader in environmental stewardship in the
GRENADA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Caribbean. The goal is to create a more ecofriendly airport experience for passengers while contributing to broader sustainability efforts across the island.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Cargo Handling Improvements
One of the most critical components of the redevelopment is the significant investment in improving the airport’s infrastructure, which includes resurfacing the runway, upgrading the lighting systems to solar energy, and installing passenger boarding bridges. These upgrades are expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of airport operations, reducing delays and improving the overall experience for travellers.
In addition to passenger services, the redevelopment project places a strong emphasis on improving cargo handling facilities. Grenada’s economy relies heavily on exports, particularly in sectors such
as seafood, agriculture, and spices. The new cargo facilities will feature modern equipment and technology designed to handle a greater variety of goods, including perishable and frozen items. Stephen has highlighted the importance of a “modern cargo facility that responds to the market and the goods we export.”
By improving cargo handling capabilities, the airport will be able to facilitate more trade agreements, not only enhancing Grenada’s export potential but also stimulating job creation and economic growth.
The expansion of the cargo facilities will also contribute to the airport’s goal of becoming a regional trade hub. With improved capacity and efficiency, MBIA is well-positioned to handle a greater volume of goods, benefiting businesses in Grenada and the wider Caribbean region.
GRENADA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The airport currently employs approximately 300 individuals, but this number is expected to rise significantly, with projections indicating over 500 jobs will be created once the redevelopment is complete. These new roles will span various areas, including construction, duty-free retail, general airport operations, and staffing for airline partners. This job growth represents a significant boost to the local economy, providing employment opportunities for Grenadians and helping to reduce unemployment on the island.
The anticipated increase in tourism, facilitated by the enhanced airport infrastructure, will have a ripple effect on other sectors of the economy, such as hospitality, retail, and transportation. The redevelopment is projected to increase tourism by attracting more flights and visitors to Grenada, contributing to the
growth of the island’s tourism industry, which saw a remarkable 51% increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Connectivity
One of the main goals of the master plan is to enhance the overall passenger experience. The addition of passenger boarding bridges, extended canopy coverage, and modernised facilities will make travelling through MBIA more comfortable and efficient. While the airport faces challenges with outdated infrastructure and space constraints, the GAA is confident that these improvements will significantly elevate the quality of service for travellers.
The expanded runway capacity is another key feature of the redevelopment, allowing more planes to stay overnight and
GRENADA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
accommodating an increased number of flights. This enhancement will support the airport’s objective of attracting more private jets and luxury travellers, further promoting Grenada as a destination for high-end tourism. Additionally, it will enable more frequent and diverse flight schedules, improving connectivity with key markets in North America, Europe, and the wider Caribbean region.
A New Era for Grenada’s Aviation Industry
The 30-year master plan for Maurice Bishop International Airport represents a bold vision for the future of Grenada’s aviation industry. By focusing on sustainability, infrastructure modernisation, improved cargo handling, and enhanced passenger experiences, the GAA is setting the stage for long-term growth and success. This transformation will not only benefit the airport but also have a far-reaching impact on Grenada’s economy, tourism, and trade, making it a pivotal driver of development in the Caribbean region.
As the airport evolves, it will play a crucial role in connecting Grenada to the world, fostering economic opportunities, and showcasing the island’s unique offerings to international travellers. With Edgar Stephen’s experienced leadership and the GAA’s comprehensive planning, Maurice Bishop International Airport is on track to become a leading example of how strategic investment and visionary planning can revolutionise a nation’s aviation sector.
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