l2r: Jahred Kallop, Tikehau Star Infra; Steve Nackan, Aecon Concessions; Carlton Dowe, VIPA; Willard John, VIPA; Leona Smith, VIPA; James Benton, J. Benton Construction; Jorge Roberts, Avports; Stephen Cleary, Aecon Group; and Celestino White Sr., VIPA. Photo Credit: SKYCITY
SkyCity VI Airports Company, the entity leading the V.I. Port Authority’s Airports Public-Private Partnership (P3) Project, celebrated the opening of its new office at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The company said it will share updates soon about its office at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
The newly established office, located on the southside of the airport’s main terminal, will serve as SkyCity’s operational hub for St. Thomas. It is designed to facilitate project management activities, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach initiatives as part of the transformative VIPA Airports P3 Project.
“We are thrilled to open our new office at the Cyril E. King Airport – demonstrating our commitment to maintaining a strong local presence and positioning our team to continue working collaboratively with VIPA through the ongoing transition phase while fostering relationships with the community and airport stakeholders,” said Steve Nackan, President of Aecon Concessions, a developer member of SkyCity.
Christophe Petit, Head of Tikehau Star Infra and another SkyCity developer, added, “Local investment is a key focus for SkyCity, and we are excited to establish this new space to support the comprehensive redevelopment of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ airports.”
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe highlighted the significance of SkyCity’s presence, stating, “Having SkyCity’s team on-site strengthens our collaborative approach to this project – a landmark infrastructure investment to transform and modernize the islands’ airports. Their local presence here reflects a dedication to understanding our community’s needs and delivering infrastructure that truly serves the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands and enhances the traveler experience.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SkyCity announced its support for the Audi Henneman Legacy Inter-Neighborhood Basketball League through a donation to purchase trophies for championship teams and individual awards. The league involves boys and girls aged 9 to 18. Additionally, SkyCity revealed plans to support the Elmo Plaskett Little League on St. Croix.
SkyCity is currently in the transition phase of the P3 project, with financial close expected in 2025. Once finalized, the company will assume long-term operations, maintenance, and commercial functions for both the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, alongside their redevelopment.
The VIPA Airports P3 Project will deliver tailored improvements to meet each airport’s unique needs. Upgrades will include renovated and expanded terminal buildings, new baggage systems, jet bridges, improved concession areas, and greater resilience to extreme weather conditions. The project also aims to enhance operations and maintenance efficiency, passenger experience, and sustainability.
In March 2024, VIPA selected the SkyCity partnership, which includes Aecon, Tikehau Star Infra, J. Benton Construction, and Avports, to redevelop the airports under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) P3 model. The partnership emerged through a competitive bidding process and has since worked collaboratively with VIPA to lay the groundwork for the ambitious redevelopment plans.
SkyCity VI Airports Company brings together global expertise and local partnerships to deliver world-class airport facilities in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its team includes Aecon as the lead constructor, Tikehau Star Infra as developer, local partner J. Benton Construction, and operations partner Avports.
For more information about the VIPA Airports P3 Project, visit skycityvi.com or follow SkyCity on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @SkyCityAirports.
