SkyCity celebrates opening of new office at Cyril E. King Airport to support VIPA Airports P3 Project in U.S. Virgin Islands
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.
About the VIPA Airports P3 Project
In March of 2024, the partnership between Aecon, Tikehau Star Infra, J. Benton Construction and Avports was selected by VIPA to redevelop the airports in St. Croix and St. Thomas under a collaborative Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain P3 model to improve the USVI’s airport terminals. Procurement was conducted through a competitive bidding process and the project is currently in a transition phase that involves substantial work between VIPA and SkyCity. SkyCity will take over long-term operations, maintenance and commercial functions in addition to its role in redeveloping the two airports following the successful completion of the transition phase, with financial close expected in 2025.
About SkyCity
About the Virgin Islands Port Authority
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (“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. VIPA operates 14 seaport facilities, two airports, and surrounding properties. It is a critical arm of the USVI’s economy that facilitates travel and commerce and fosters tourism and economic growth via its port activities. VIPA’s mandate is to develop and maintain the USVI ports to accommodate our users’ current and future demands and to provide safe port facilities. Learn more about VIPA at www.viport.com, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
