SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIA) is pleased to welcome Dr. Bekele as the airport’s Medical Doctor, succeeding Dr. Swanston, who previously served in the role.
PJIA extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Swanston for her dedication, professionalism and valuable service to the airport. Throughout her tenure, PJIA maintained a positive and productive working relationship with Dr. Swanston and the organization is grateful for her contribution to the airport’s medical preparedness and emergency response capabilities. In her new role, Dr. Bekele will play an important part in supporting PJIA’s emergency medical response framework and overall medical preparedness.
Working closely with the airport’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) team and relevant operational departments, she will provide medical expertise and support during emergencies and other situations requiring medical coordination.
Her responsibilities will include assisting the EMT team in responding to medical emergencies at the airport and supporting triage and medical coordination in the event of a mass-casualty incident or other major emergency.
Dr. Bekele will serve as PJIA’s designated medical contact in relation to medical evacuation operations. Where required, she will provide the medical authorization necessary for the reopening of the airport on behalf of the Operations Director following medevac situations involving patients or passengers arriving from Saba or St. Eustatius and departing through Princess Juliana International Airport.
In addition, Dr. Bekele will provide medical guidance to PJIA management on emerging global health developments, including infectious diseases and other public health concerns that may have implications for airport operations. Her expertise will support the airport in remaining informed and appropriately prepared as public health circumstances evolve.
The appointment forms part of PJIA’s commitment to maintaining effective medical preparedness, emergency response protocols and a safe airport environment.
“Having access to qualified medical expertise is an important component of our overall emergency preparedness,” said Michael Cleaver, Chief Executive Officer of PJIA. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bekele to the airport community and look forward to working with her. At the same time, we extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Swanston for the professionalism and commitment she demonstrated throughout her service to PJIA.”
Through continued collaboration between its medical professionals, emergency response teams, operational departments and external partners, PJIA remains committed to safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of its passengers, employees and wider airport community.
