Plans for the proposed aviation hub city include establishing a hub for commercial flights, a regional hub for cargo, and even a training school for air traffic controllers.

by Khaila Gentle

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 15, 2022 CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, Kennedy Carrillo, says that the Ministry’s proposed aviation hub could provide an opportunity to not only attract tourists but to also establish a regional cargo hub. Back in July, Hon. Andre Perez, the Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, proposed to Cabinet a plan for the transformation of one of Belize’s airports and the surrounding area into an aviation hub. That plan, which includes an initial feasibility study, was well- received by Cabinet. According to CEO Carrillo, when it comes to the aviation hub, the potential is great, and as a part of its plan, the Ministry of CivilAviation is looking into the possibility of opening a training school for air traffic controllers.

At present, Belize’s air traffic controllers are trained in Spanish in El Salvador. According to Carrillo, establishing a school at the proposed aviation hub would not only allow for the officers to be trained in English but could also provide training for persons from other parts of the Caribbean.

“There’s also a maintenance hub as well, where aircrafts can land in Belize, and we have the technical expertise also to do this. So the potential is great and we’re very excited about it and moving forward very quickly with it as well,” said Carrillo.

The feasibility study to be conducted by the Ministry for the proposed hub will include determining whether or not it will be located in Belize City, though according to the Civil Aviation CEO, it is unlikely that the Philip Goldson InternationalAirport will be the designated location.

“We do not think it is going to happen there because of the limited space. But there are options, definitely, there are options,” she said.