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ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands (November 21, 2024) – SkyCity VI Airports Company (“SkyCity”), the special-purpose company leading the Virgin Islands Port Authority (“VIPA”) Airports Public-Private Partnership (“P3”) Project, today celebrated the opening of its new office at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas.
To mark the opening, a ribbon cutting was held at the new office located in the southside of the main terminal. The space will be home to key project team members and will serve as SkyCity’s operational hub for the St. Thomas airport, providing capacity to accommodate project management activities, stakeholder meetings, and community engagement initiatives supporting the transformative VIPA Airports P3 Project.
“We are thrilled to open our new office at the Cyril E. King Airport – demonstrating our commitment to maintaining a strong local presence and positioning our team to continue working collaboratively with VIPA through the ongoing transition phase while fostering relationships with the community and airport stakeholders,” said Steve Nackan, President of Aecon Concessions, developer member of SkyCity.
At the opening, SkyCity was also pleased to announce it is supporting the Audi Henneman Legacy Inter-Neighborhood Basketball League through a donation to purchase trophies for championship teams and individual awards. Aligning with SkyCity’s commitment to prioritizing social and community benefits, the league comprises youth teams for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 18. On St. Croix, SkyCity looks forward to supporting the Elmo Plaskett Little League when a similar event is scheduled.
“Local investment is a key focus for SkyCity, and we are excited to establish this new space to support the comprehensive redevelopment of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ airports into state-of-the-art facilities,” said Christophe Petit, Head of Tikehau Star Infra, developer member of SkyCity.
“Having SkyCity’s team on-site strengthens our collaborative approach to this project – a landmark infrastructure investment to transform and modernize the islands’ airports,” said Carlton Dowe, Executive Director of VIPA. “Their local presence here reflects a dedication to understanding our community’s needs and delivering infrastructure that truly serves the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands and enhances the traveler experience.”
SkyCity will take over long-term operations, maintenance and commercial functions in addition to its role in redeveloping the two airports in St. Croix and St. Thomas following the successful completion of the transition phase, with financial close expected in 2025. SkyCity will share updates soon about its office at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport as well as its commitment to supporting similar initiatives that benefit the community on St. Croix.
The VIPA Airports P3 Project will deliver enhancements tailored to meet the unique needs of each airport, focusing on modernization, improved operations and maintenance efficiency, passenger experience and sustainability. Passengers will also benefit from improved baggage systems, new jet bridges, renovated and expanded terminal buildings, greater resilience to extreme weather conditions and new concession areas.
Further information about the project is available on the VIPA Airports P3 Project website, skycityvi.com and SkyCity’s social media channels.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured l-r at today’s ribbon cutting are: Jahred Kallop, Tikehau Star Infra; Steve Nackan, Aecon Concessions; Carlton Dowe, VIPA; Willard John, VIPA; Leona Smith, VIPA; James Benton, J. Benton Construction; Jorge Roberts, Avports; Stephen Cleary, Aecon Group; and Celestino White Sr., VIPA
