Passengers departing from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (SIA) will soon benefit from a more seamless travel experience with the introduction of biometric check-in and boarding, aligning with the advancements already in place for incoming travelers. The implementation of biometric boarding gates and automated baggage-drop systems is part of an effort to modernize airport operations and provide faster, more efficient service.
Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, shared these developments during the airport’s biannual stakeholders’ forum on Tuesday. He explained that the two-step process, which includes enrolling through mobile devices or self-service kiosks, aims to significantly reduce queues and waiting times. This innovation is expected to improve overall passenger flow, enhancing the travel experience at the airport.
Another significant change is the expansion of Wi-Fi capabilities across the terminal, providing enhanced wireless Internet access. In addition, the airport is introducing automated payment systems in the car parks, streamlining the parking process for travelers.
Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, also shared plans to increase the airport’s use of solar energy. The goal is to expand its solar capacity to 6 megawatts by 2025, contributing to a more sustainable operation. Munroe highlighted the success of Phase 1 of the solar power project, which is already delivering substantial energy savings and is expected to supply a significant portion of the airport’s energy needs.
With an eye on sustainability, Munroe stated that the airport aims to eventually meet 60% of its energy needs from renewable sources, setting a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions. These advancements reflect the airport’s commitment to modernizing its operations and reducing its environmental impact.
A key development at Sangster International Airport (SIA) is the construction of a new, purpose-built lounge exclusively for air-to-sea passengers, designed to enhance the experience for travelers transferring to cruise ships. Officially opened on Tuesday, this lounge will process hundreds of passengers who are connecting to cruise ships that home port in Montego Bay.
Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, emphasized that the lounge will feature dedicated immigration and customs processing, which will help alleviate congestion in the arrivals area. This is particularly important as peak days see up to 1,000 cruise-bound passengers arriving by airplane. Cruise ship passengers primarily arrive at SIA during the winter season, from November to April, each year. The new lounge is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of these travelers as they transition from air to sea.
Munroe shared that this will help alleviate congestion in the arrivals area, enhancing the experience for both passengers and airport staff. Another significant development is the expansion of immigration halls and outbound security areas, which will increase the number of lanes to accommodate growing passenger traffic, with a target completion by the next winter season.
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