AIRPORT--Princess Juliana International Airport SXM received its Aerodrome Certificate from Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT) Irania Arrindell, on Friday.
The presentation was made following a recent audit by the St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) assisted by the Dutch Civil Aviation Authority. Airport Deputy Managing Director Larry Donker received the certificate on behalf of the company.
“Passing the audit inspection is a significant accomplishment made possible through teamwork, and the company is most thankful and grateful to its staff and the SMCAA who have worked diligently together, even beyond the call of duty, to achieve this certification,” said Donker.
The SMCAA-led audit concluded that the Airport had successfully met the stringent requirements for Aerodrome Certification, based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Convention on International Civil Aviation Annex 14 and article 175 of the “Landsbesluit Toezight Luchtvaart.”
The Airport has demonstrated the ability to draft, implement and comply with the required aviation safety regulatory system by way of an Aerodrome Manual which ensures that the facilities, equipment and operational procedures are in compliance with the applicable international regulations.
SMCAA, which falls under the TEATT Ministry, is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations at SXM Airport. Its next audit of the Airport is due in 2018.
The importance of the Aerodrome Certificate is that it provides the airport operator and aircraft operators with documented proof that the facilities they operate or use are safe; functions as an important risk management element; ensures the continued safety, regularity and efficiency of aircraft operations at aerodromes; and ensures that the aerodrome is in compliance with the relevant ICAO standards, recommended practices and civil aviation regulations.
Prior to October 10, 2010, the Airport was certified by the then-Netherlands Antilles Civil Aviation Authority, which was based in Curaçao; but the responsibility now lies with SMCAA as the oversight entity.
Obtaining aerodrome certification has many advantages ranging from economic to operating efficiency. However, the main advantage lies in the satisfaction of offering airlines and passengers the possibility of using an increasingly safe airport thanks to the operational safety management system’s maintenance.
The operational safety management system’s maintenance is also in keeping with the Airport’s mission statement “To be the regional leader in providing safe, secure, quality and profitable airport services that contribute to the general economic and tourism development of St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands.”
Source: Daily Herald
Airport SXM receives Aerodrome Certificate
