A major proposed airport redevelopment project in the U.S. Virgin Islands is moving closer to a key investment decision, with SkyCity VI Airports Company seeking tax incentives and highlighting new employment opportunities.

SkyCity is seeking Economic Development Commission benefits as it continues negotiations with the Virgin Islands Port Authority over a proposed 40-year public-private partnership to redevelop and operate Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix.

At a recent EDC public hearing, company representatives said the project could generate new direct employment while supporting an estimated 100 to 120 indirect jobs across areas including construction, information technology, cybersecurity, maintenance and other services.

SkyCity also said it expects to prioritise local workers and vendors, while creating training and career opportunities for Virgin Islanders and University of the Virgin Islands students.

The proposed airport investment could have a wider impact on the USVI economy, particularly by strengthening tourism infrastructure and creating opportunities for local businesses that supply airport-related services.

However, the underlying agreement between SkyCity and VIPA has not yet been finalised, and the EDC had not made a decision on the company's incentive application at the time of the hearing.