As Barbados’ sole airport, BAASeC’s mandate is to support the development of the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) through the expansion of its service offering to serve the widest cross-section of the aviation community. BAASeC will continue to work with related agencies of the Government to ensure the provision of competitive airport, handling, fixed-based, hangar, cargo services and business aviation facilities at the nation’s airport.
GAIA also serves as a regional hub connecting many of the islands of the eastern Caribbean to the wider Caribbean region, North America, Central America and Europe where the island has strong connections. Handling over 2 million passengers, GAIA’s capacity limits continue to be tested during peak periods thus now requiring significant expansion.
The Government of Barbados has therefore entered into discussions with a concessionaire to establish a Public- Private Sector Partnership (PPP) to support the expansion and redevelopment of the Grantley Adams International Airport. The PPP model is designed to leverage private capital and expertise to simultaneously modernize the airport and position it to meet the islands ambitions growth plans for airlift growth, the development of the aviation industry and the buildout of the Barbados Aviation Strategy.
Flight Support Ltd Establishes operations in Barbados
With the establishment of FlightSupport Ltd, a subsidiary of the interIsland Aviation Services Group (IASG) interCaribbean Airways commenced full operations in Barbados in December 2023. It was a strategic move enabling the airline to strengthen the airline’s presence and delivery of services in Barbados and the Southern Caribbean.
Founder and Chairman Mr. Lyndon Gardiner of FlightSpport Ltd and interCaribbean Airways declared “We are thrilled to be able to manage our full operations in Barbados finally,” … “Barbados is a valued and critical partner to us, and a key destination and hub for interCaribbean Airways. Given our commitment to providing seamless travel experiences to our passengers in the region, having FlightSupport Ltd with a presence in Barbados will undoubtedly improve our reputation on reliability, and efficiency for service in this region.”
FlightSpport Ltd has a 28-year history of excellence providing complete ground handling services, encompassing above – and below-wing support to a wide range of scheduled air carriers.
GAIA expansion supported through Public Private Sector Partnership
The Government of Barbados declared its intent to establish a public private sector partnership designed to revolutionize the Grantley Adams International Airport and to strengthen its capacity to serve as the main hub for the region.
The Grantley Adams International Airport Inc. and The Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai and Agencias Universales S.A. of Chile signed a Memorandum of Understanding towards a new Public Private Partnership for the investment, development and operation of the airport, a hemispheric hub for cargo, expanded airlift and additional luxury hotel capacity.
GAIA repurposes Concorde to handle surging Capacity
The Board of Directors and the Management of Grantley Adams International Airport Inc made the strategic decision to transform the iconic Concorde hangar into a secured departure area for passengers. This decision underscores GAIAs commitment to enhancing the travel experience in Barbados in an effort to strengthen Barbados position as the destination of choice.