Stantec has announced the completion of three airport master plans for the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA).  

The three airports are Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman, Charles Kirkconnell International Airport on Cayman Brac, and a new airport to replace the Edward Bodden Airfield on Little Cayman. 

The master plans were developed in response to increased passenger traffic, which is said to have placed considerable demand on the existing airport systems and infrastructure.  

The infrastructure development plan for each airport includes an outline business case that has received approval from the Cayman Islands Government. 

Additionally, Stantec has designed a functional layout plan for a new general aviation terminal, aircraft apron, heliport, and marine dock at Owen Roberts International Airport.  

These enhancements are set to improve the intermodal transport capabilities and reduce operational conflicts between different types of aircraft. 

The planning process for the airports, situated in environmentally sensitive areas, required a focus on sustainability.  

The aim was to achieve a balance between environmental conservation, coastal resiliency, and the infrastructure needed to support future tourism and business growth in the Cayman Islands. 

The company notes that a key aspect of the development plans was to ensure that the airports could accommodate future travel demand without compromising the natural environment.  

This included preparing for increased passenger aircraft activity during peak hours and tourism seasons by identifying optimal spaces within the air terminal footprints. 

The runway extension at Owen Roberts International Airport is designed to facilitate new, long-haul flights directly from international markets.  

The addition of the new general aviation terminal and parking apron is expected to alleviate current runway and apron capacity issues. 

Caribbean airport infrastructure vice-president and aviation leader Dave Dargie said: “The Caribbean region continues to see growth as a travel journey point and destination, creating an expanding need to address development that protects its natural local environment. 

“We’re excited to be supporting the Cayman Islands Airports Authority in its long-term vision for the future and its dedication to environmentally conscious airport design.” 

Last month, Stantec was appointed to provide planning and integrated design services for the Main Street redevelopment in Pleasanton, Texas, US.