Bermuda's airport ranked 'most improved'

Jonathan Bell

Published Sep 20, 2018 at 8:00 am (Updated Sep 20, 2018 at 8:04 am)

The LF Wade International Airport has been named the most improved flight terminal serving under two million passengers.

The accolade came from the Airport Service Quality programme, which is run by Airports Council International, a global organisation with a membership of almost 2,000 airports.

The ranking for Bermuda came for the second quarter of 2018.

Bermuda went up from 55th in the first quarter to sixth in quarter two, and ranked as a top-ten airport for service quality, in a survey of 65 airports.

Bermuda Skyport took over management of the airport in March last year under a 30-year concession agreement.

The company has carried out “major upgrades” to the old terminal building as it oversees the construction of a new airport.

Aaron Adderley, the president of Skyport, said the upgrades to the present terminal had been made “despite knowing that it would eventually have to be demolished”.

Mr Adderley added: “Until we move to the new facility in 2020, nearly two million passengers are expected to use the existing one, and thus we felt the investment was warranted to help ensure an improved travel experience for such a significant number of passengers.

“I think the ASQ survey results suggest that it was money well spent and, more importantly, highlights the hard work being put in by so many different agencies at the airport, including customs, immigration, retail, airline and ground services personnel.

“Collectively, though, we will aim to improve even further.”

Lucinda Pearman, the Collector of Customs, said that the arrivals hall and immigration primary teams had produced “excellent results”.

She added: “This accomplishment is particularly impressive and noteworthy coming from one of the smallest customs departments in the world.

“Our team has often worked extra-long hours during the peak period to facilitate arriving passengers, yet has kept a high level of professionalism, diligence and dedication throughout and in doing so, has significantly contributed to the airport’s success.”

LF Wade International Airport improved in several categories including overall satisfaction, courtesy and helpfulness from check-in staff, security and other airport staff, flight information screens, wi-fi, cleanliness of the terminal and washrooms and customs inspection.

Skyport said services provided by agencies including the Bermuda Government, security firms, US Customs Border and Protection and the ground handlers also helped to drive the overall improvement.

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