A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam

Achieving “low-risk” auditee status for the first time since FY 2018, the Board of Directors of the A. B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) accepted the unmodified (clean) opinion presented by independent auditors Ernst & Young and GIAA management during a Special Board meeting held Wednesday, March 16, 2021. GIAA management noted that despite the reduction of over 66% of operating revenues in FY 2021 as compared to pre-pandemic FY 2019, operating and maintenance expenses were reduced to the lowest levels in over a decade.

“We express our deep gratitude for the support we have received from Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio and our GIAA Board of Directors,” stated John “JQ” Quinata, Executive Manager of the GIAA. “And we thank all of our airport managers and staff for heeding the call to remain frugal while maintaining priority on operational continuity.”

“Losing the ‘low-risk auditee’ status in FY 2018 required consecutive years of clean audits to regain that status,” explained Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Ph.D., Deputy Executive Manager of the GIAA. “We are proud of the results of the entire GIAA team’s efforts to be one of the first government of Guam agency to release its Audited Financial Statements for FY 2021.”

The GIAA was able to address previously outstanding management letter comments as well as achieve a Debt Service Coverage ratio of 1.51x, well above the required 1.25x required by bond covenants due in part to its successful bond restructuring and refinancing in FY 2021. Additionally, the GIAA is noted as having provided relief programs to its airport and airline stakeholders, despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on its own finances.

“Our airport and airline stakeholders are also our partners. And as we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to coordinate with them so that safety, security, and passenger experience remain our top priorities. As news comes out about our travel markets reopening, the GIAA stands prepared to restart and recover once passenger traffic picks up,” concluded Executive Manager Quinata.