Cemex has begun the first phase of a US$51.85 million (approximately J$8.1 billion) project to reconstruct and upgrade the aircraft apron at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, marking a major step in the airport’s planned modernisation.

The project, which is partially funded by the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) is being led by PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), operator of NMIA and a subsidiary of Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).

The project will fully reconstruct NMIA’s 109,270-square-metre operational apron, with Cemex serving as general contractor. The apron is where aircraft park to load and unload passengers and cargo, refuel and receive ground services.

Works underway include demolishing sections of the existing concrete pavement and replacing them with new concrete slabs. Construction is being carried out in eight phases to keep the airport fully operational.

During a tour of the project on September 15, Cemex Jamaica Country Manager and Managing Director of Carib Cement, Mr Jorge Martinez, said the project is providing an opportunity to introduce advanced construction technology to Jamaica while strengthening Cemex’s partnership with PACKAL.

“I feel very proud of this partnership,” Mr Martinez said, noting that the technology being deployed could also be applied to highways, rural roads and other infrastructure projects in Jamaica. He also welcomed the transfer of technical knowledge between Cemex and Jamaican contractors.

The project is currently supporting 154 jobs—56 direct and 98 indirect—and Cemex has engaged four local subcontractors for aggregates, machinery, haulage and electrical works.