Mr. Speaker, I rise before the Honourable House to lay the Bermuda Airport Authority’s Annual Report 2019/20, ‘Navigating Challenges, Focused on the Future’ and audited accounts as required under provisions of the Bermuda Airport Authority Act 2017.
Mr. Speaker, the principal responsibility of the Airport Authority is to protect Bermuda’s interests in the Public Private Partnership with Bermuda Skyport Corporation Limited and ensure that contractual value is delivered on budget, on time and within the quality specifications contained in the Project Agreement. At the time the Report was prepared the new terminal building was 97% complete and scheduled for official opening in July 2020. However, due to COVID-19 the opening was delayed and is scheduled to be opened in December 2020.
Mr. Speaker, the Airport Authority is the owner of the L.F. Wade International Airport and in addition to overseeing the management, operations and redevelopment of the airport, the Airport Authority has direct responsibility for delivery of Air Traffic Control, Bermuda Weather Services, Ground Electronics Services and Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services. The Report highlights that essential air navigation services were insourced to the Airport Authority, reducing costs and increasing local employment opportunities. The Airport Authority also completed its largest capital project to-date, on-time and under budget; delivering an upgraded Bermuda Doppler Weather Radar System.
Mr. Speaker, the Airport Authority and Bermuda Tourism Authority worked with stakeholders to implement a comprehensive Air Service Development Strategy targeting more sustainable and diverse year-round passenger traffic. It is worthy to note that one of the highlights of the Report is that air passenger traffic numbers were consistently above minimum revenue guarantee threshold levels during the reporting period.
Mr. Speaker, the financial year of the Airport Authority ends on 31 March. The Auditor General has signed off on the Financial Statements as they represent a fair view of the operations. I take this opportunity to thank the Office of the Auditor General for their cooperation and support.
Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to recognize two of the Airport Authority team members, Ms. Michele Bean and Mr. James Campbell who achieved the certified PPP Professional designation, which is the definitive industry standard for public private partnership professionals and also to publically thank and commend the hard-working and committed staff of the Bermuda Airport Authority as well as the Bermuda Airport Authority Board for their diligent efforts.
Thank You, Mr. Speaker!
Airport Authority Annual Report FY 2020 (FINAL Ver 2).pdf