International Airport in the south – currently the Island’s
long-haul destination – would then become the island’s
only commercial gateway, making the promotion of
transfer traffic via Saint Lucia a strong possibility through
a hub concept.
The possibility was brought into clearer focus by
American Eagle’s decision to close its Saint Lucia route and
concentrate on the US domestic market from August 2012.
The carrier had always enjoyed high load factors so the
loss of service meant a significant loss in revenue for the
airport. From its busy apron once serving more than 50
daily flights,George F.L. Charles is now handling just a few
scheduled services.
The next step in this particular strategy would be a move
for George F. L. Charles towards general aviation status –
for which the terminal facilities and 1,890m (6,200 ft.)
runway are well suited – including the medium-term
establishment of a Fixed Base Operation (FBO).
Kirby Toussaint, Airport Manager (Ag), insists that this
isn’t the only scenario, however. “We may have lost
American Eagle but we gained Caribbean Airlines’ service
SAINT LUCIA AIR AND SEA PORTS AUTHORITY
HANDBOOK & PORT DIRECTORY 2013/2015
George F.L. Charles Airport
35
Turnaround times for carriers are very fast at
George F.L. Charles Airport, while passengers
enjoy all the necessary amenities, including
currency exchange, duty free shopping and
cafés both landside and airside.
