These services are being sought because the government recently made it ‘a matter of high priority’ for the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) to make improvements to the TBLIA that will enable direct air access to and from major international destinations on the east coast of the United States.

The initiative is said to be part of the government’s economic development agenda.

To be considered for the consultancy, applicants must have the necessary qualification experience, technical competence, local and regional experience, and must also have had similar assignments. They must further disclose their financial capability and existing commitments.

In the budget address made a few weeks ago, Premier Andrew Fahie said technical works geared towards the expansion of the TBLIA runway were ongoing.

In preparation for additional traffic, the Premier said the BVIAA is continuing works on improving the passenger experience through the airport with the implementation of a Common Use System to accommodate more airlines and X-ray machines that will improve screening quality, and speed up processing times.

He further noted that service reliability has also been improved with the addition of two new fire appliances and the imminent installation of an upgraded tower console.

“The funding for these are already appropriated — some in this year’s budget and some in next year’s budget, so that we can move hastily to ensure that our runways are extended,” the Premier said.

The deadline to submit expressions of interest for the consultancy is December 30, 2021.