Dear Editor,
BRAVO to an amazing group of professionals in and around the Princess Juliana International Airport on Sunday, August 7, and Monday, August 8, 2025.
I happened to be at the airport, as I was expecting 4 friends arriving on the West Jet flight from Toronto. I witnessed the WS2276 landing and the aftermath. As a pilot user of the airport facilities for the past 51 years, I am in awe of the level of dedication, coordination, and professionalism displayed by so many that sprang into action. I apologize if I fail to mention a person, or group of persons who were there and who contributed to a good ending of what could have been a disaster for this Sweet St. Maarten Land, but know that it is not intentional.
A shout out of thanks and appreciation to:
- the calm, cool and professional lady ATC Tower Traffic Controller, who was crisp, precise, and calm throughout her instructions, questions, and directives to the crew of WS2276;
- the super-fast, efficient, and obviously well-trained Juliana Airport Fire Department First Responders;
- the just as fast, well-trained, and efficient PJIA Operations Coordinators, directing and controlling everyone on the airside ramps and runway, as well as inside the airport building;
- the Menzies ramp staff, who strutted “their stuff” and when the all clear was given, managed to get the checked bags, hand-luggage, and individual items from seat backs to the passengers;
- the men and women of the SXM Immigration, the SXM Customs Department and the Marechaussees on hand, who were all friendly, helpful and accommodating;
- the yellow vested staff of Juliana Handlers, Signature, Execujet, Halley Travel, Accessible Ventures, as well as the Airport Porters.
A VERY SPECIAL shout out to the amazing homegrown owned and operated aircraft maintenance company SUNLINE TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE led by son-of-the-soil Frantz Dulorme, who together with the other local company JOJO HEAVY EQUIPMENT led by John Richardson Sr. and Jr., as well the Crane Operators who all together successfully removed the crippled B737-800 MAX jetliner off the runway and into a safe spot on the Echo Ramp now awaiting what’s next.
Oh, I was also impressed by the hands on, “let’s get this done” attitude and efforts displayed by the top brass of the SXM Airport and our Minister of TEATT and her staff.
This was a performance of which all Born-Here and Born-To-Be-Here St.Maarteners can be extremely proud. I know I am.
Michael J. Ferrier
