Queen Beatrix Airport is on track to revolutionize the travel experience with the introduction of groundbreaking enhancements aimed at enhancing both passengers experience and operational efficiency. As Aruba’s popularity as a tourist destination continues to grow, the airport has embarked on a transformative journey to redefine hospitality and convenience for travelers.
The ongoing project, known as Gateway 2030, represents a significant investment in modernizing and innovating Queen Beatrix Airport to overcome capacity constraints and deliver a world-class airport experience. Phase 1A is rapidly progressing and is set to unveil a new US check-in hall, baggage hall, and airline offices, showcasing a seamless fusion of state-of-the-art technology and sustainable design principles when operational.
Passengers entering the newly designed check-in hall will encounter a spacious and eco-friendly environment, engineered for efficiency and comfort. The implementation of self-service options and streamlined processes aims to simplify and expedite the pre-flight experience, setting a new standard for hassle-free travel. This new spacious and modern check-in hall also features beautiful art showcasing Aruba’s diverse flora and fauna by renowned local artist Armando Goedgedrag. This artwork surely makes our airport stand out, brings a touch of our local branding and identity to our terminal hall, and serves as a reminder of the unique nature our visitors experienced while on the island.
A highlight of the enhancements is the cutting-edge baggage handling system, capable of processing up to 2000 pieces of luggage per hour with exceptional speed and accuracy. This system not only optimizes security screening but also eliminates the need for passengers to retrieve and recheck their luggage when travelling to the USA, enhancing convenience and reducing travel time significantly.
US-bound travelers can look forward to an enhanced journey with streamlined passenger processing and a quicker transition through the airport’s facilities. By seamlessly integrating innovative design and technology, Queen Beatrix Airport is setting a new benchmark in efficiency and customer service, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for every traveler.
Mr. Gilbert Rafael, Chief Development & Technology Officer at AAA, presented the latest development of Phase 1A. The construction project encompasses the expanded check-in building on the US side. This expanded area will then, in the future, become the main check-in terminal for all departures. Phase 1-A also includes developing and installing the baggage handling system and the new baggage make-up area. “When launching the new baggage system in the coming months, Aruba will be the second country in the world with such a modern baggage handling system. It will eliminate three passenger processing checkpoints when launching this new and innovative system”, as stated by Gilbert Rafael.
“We are committed to enhancing the passenger journey with the Gateway 2030 project. With the delivery of Phase 1A, this enhances not only the operational efficiency but also aims to increase passenger dwell time before departure which improves the overall passenger experience when traveling through AUA Airport. Once the entire Gateway 2030 project is completed, we will have much more space available to expand our airport amenities and offerings,” stated Barbara Brown, Chief Revenue Development and Communications Officer at Queen Beatrix Airport.
A well-pleased Joost Meijs, CEO of AAA stated: “We are extremely proud that we can stand here and say that the execution of this 140-million-dollar investment has been successfully delivered by local contractors in a very collaborative spirit with the PMO team and our internal airport teams, with the right quality in mind and within the allocated budget. As the icing on the cake and in line with our corporate strategy, this building is the first building in Aruba that meets the LEED Gold requirements. As you may know, the LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. We can easily say that it is the most sustainable building in Aruba”.
With the Gateway 2030 project phase 1A on track, the airport is currently in the testing phase of the new baggage handling system and the new check in terminal and on course to unveil the new facility and processes by early 2025, reinforcing its dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Queen Beatrix Airport looks forward to welcoming travelers to its state-of-the-art facilities and inviting everyone to experience the future of travel firsthand.
About AUA Airport
AUA Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean region, with more than 25 different airlines operating into Aruba contributing to processing almost 3 million passengers per year and providing air service to 31 cities and 45 non-stop destinations worldwide. AUA Airport’s markets served comprise of 78% from the United States & Canada, 14% from Latin America, 4% from Europe, and 4% from Dutch Caribbean. AUA Airport attributes this to the island’s stable economic and political climate, hospitable and multilingual population, and safe environment. AUA Airport’s aspiration is to become one of the most Sustainable, Safe, and Future Proof airports of the Latin America & Caribbean region, providing a trusted workplace, modern airport facilities and excellent customer service which reflects Aruban hospitality, contributing to a prosperous future for Aruba.
Learn more about what’s happening at AUA Airport by visiting www.airportaruba.com and connect with AUA Airport on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.
