Sky’s the Limit – Piloting Aviation in T&T

January 15th, 2025

Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (“the Authority”) has firmly established itself as a leader in the aviation industry across Latin America and the Caribbean. The Authority’s role as the host for the 2024 CAPA Airline Leaders’ Summit for Latin America and the Caribbean is a testament to this. Set to take place at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad from 22nd to 23rd August 2024, CAPA will attract over 250 international airline executives to the country.

A Post-Pandemic Perspective

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Hayden Newton, the Authority’s General Manager, stated that from March 2020 to July 2021, their primary focus was cargo traffic, vaccine distribution, and repatriation flights. Subsequently, in 2022, the Authority adopted a conservative yet effective scenario planning approach.

“We didn’t foresee a robust recovery for 2023 but were still impressed with our performance.” By the end of 2023, international passenger numbers increased by 38% over 2022, outpacing regional growth observed in Jamaica and Guyana.

Newton is optimistic about 2024, forecasting passenger numbers to exceed pre-COVID levels from 2019. This optimism is bolstered by increased frequencies and added routes from airlines such as Frontier, COPA, and KLM, with more discussions underway to attract additional carriers.

The industry is witnessing a shift in travel demographics, with younger travellers exploring destinations beyond the conventional, venturing into Europe and Latin America. Significant travel growth is also noted for Colombia and Los Cabos, Mexico.

Advancements in Aviation in T&T

On the cargo front, Newton highlighted ongoing efforts to establish direct routes between Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and South America. “The São Paulo International Airport approached us to build a relationship with the Piarco International Airport, facilitating the transit of goods, services, and passengers. Their data highlights strong demand from business and leisure travellers, making T&T an ideal connection point. We have been collaborating with São Paulo for several years, engaging with airlines to explore the creation of this new route.”

The Authority is also heavily investing in digitalisation and automation to improve passenger experiences and operational efficiency. Plans are in place to upgrade technology across passenger touchpoints. Sustainability is another key focus. The ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago was the first in the Caribbean to achieve ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems. Recent initiatives include the launch of the largest ground-mounted commercial-scale solar park in T&T. “We plan to expand the solar park and possibly utilise rooftops of existing buildings. Our emphasis on sustainability and climate change mitigation is a priority,” Newton asserted, noting ongoing efforts to achieve a 30% reduction in carbon footprint by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement and nationally determined contributions.

In Tobago, new construction includes LEED-certified buildings and a rainwater catchment system for non-potable uses, reducing reliance on the Water and Sewerage Authority’s (WASA’s) supply. The Authority is also transitioning ground support equipment to electric vehicles, with the first arrivals expected in January 2025. “Our fleet has already made the switch to hybrid, and current car park development plans include provisions for charging stations. We have upgraded terminal lighting to LED bulbs. We aim to achieve accreditation as a sustainable facility by the Airports Council International,” said Newton.

Flight to the Future

Infrastructure renewal is a significant challenge, particularly at the Piarco International Airport. The Authority is executing a comprehensive capital development programme to upgrade critical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the Authority is looking ahead with a strategic plan for 2024 to 2029, which will position aviation as a pillar for economic diversification.

The Authority’s commitment to training and talent retention is also pivotal. The Aviation Training Centre, certified to conduct international training, continues to expand its offerings.

The Authority is also dedicated to enhancing the passenger experience by integrating cultural elements and improving facility aesthetics through art displays and thematic decorations.

In May 2024, the Authority received an award at the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East/ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA) in Saudi Arabia for contributions to safety and compliance as part of the ACI World’s Airport Excellence Programme (APEX). In April 2024, the Authority received the Best Airport Staff in the Caribbean award and secured second place in the Central American Caribbean region at the Skytrax Awards.

Through these efforts, the Authority strives to maintain its commitment to sustainability, infrastructure improvement, and enhancing passenger experiences, earning international acclaim for safety and service excellence.

Article by: Bavina Sookdeo