Our Team
Our experienced consortium was selected to redevelop both airports in March of 2024 with an overwhelming majority of the Virgin Islands Port Authority Board of Directors concurring. Aecon Concessions is the development lead and will hold a 50% equity interest in the 40-year concession with Tikehau Star Infra. Aecon, as the Design-Build lead, will also have a 50% interest in the Design-Build joint venture with St. Croix-based J. Benton Construction. Avports will serve as the operations and maintenance partner.
Project Sponsor
VIPA is an autonomous, self-sustaining government agency established in 1969 as the owner and manager of the United States Virgin Islands’ airports and seaports. It is a critical arm of the USVI’s economy that facilitates travel and commerce and fosters tourism and economic growth.
Development Lead, Contractor & Equity Partner
Aecon is a North American construction and infrastructure development company with global experience. Aecon delivers integrated solutions to private and public-sector clients through its Construction segment in the Civil, Urban Transportation, Nuclear, Utility, and Industrial sectors, and provides project development, financing, investment, management, and operations and maintenance services through its Concessions segment.
Local Contractor
With local roots dating back to 1990, St. Croix-based J. Benton Construction was founded in 2006 and is recognized as a leader in the Caribbean construction industry. J. Benton Construction provides general construction and management, design-build, sustainable design, pre-construction consulting, insurance claims consulting, staff augmentation, and Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) services to clients with a commitment to quality, teamwork, professionalism, planning, execution and creating lasting relationships.
Equity Partner
Tikehau Star Infra, a subsidiary of Tikehau Capital, is a U.S. headquartered global alternative asset management group, and developer and manager of infrastructure assets in North America. With an investor base that includes large institutional investors such as insurance companies and pension funds, Tikehau Star Infra has access to hundreds of millions in capital. Tikehau Star Infra’s focus is primarily delivering infrastructure projects across the transportation, social, environmental and telecommunications sectors. With decades of collective experience in design, construction and finance, and investments in projects, Tikehau Star Infra is one of the leading infrastructure developers in the U.S.
Airport Operator
VIPA (Virgin Islands Port Authority)
Development Lead, Contractor & Equity Partner
Local Contractor
Equity Partner
Airport Operator
Executive Leadership
Operational Leadership
Project Sponsor
Administrative Building
8074 Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is an independent agency that owns and operates the two airports and most of the public seaports in the United States Virgin Islands. Additionally, VIPA is responsible for maintaining the harbors in the territory. VIPA plays a crucial role in the territory’s tourism industry and economic growth.
Building & Operating
As we progress through the transition phase, we are building our dynamic team. Anchored by our unwavering commitment to safety, and operational excellence, our team will redevelop the USVI’s airports in St. Croix and St. Thomas. SkyCity will take over long-term operations, maintenance and commercial functions at the two airports following the successful completion of the transition phase.
