Papua New Guinearsquo;s international sky gateway,the JacksonsInternational Airportosawthe launch of its newly extended domestic apron yesterday (Thursday).
The extension caters for an extra 4 concrete parking spots for airplanes. This will improverthe challenge of taxi-way congestion, which is a major cause of flight delays experienced by airline operators and passengers.
The launch was withnessed bythe Minister for Civil Aviation Davis Steven, Minister for Transport Ano Pala, officers fromthe Asian Development Bank, National Airports Corporation and airline operators Air Niugini and AirlinePNG.
Acting managing director for National Airports Corporation Jerry Agus saidthe Civil Aviation DevelopmentInvestment Program or CADIP adopted bythe government with assistance from ADBe aimed to improver facilities and capacity.
“Asthe passenger number increases, we need to improver our facility to meetthe current standard and demand we have atthe moment,” said Angus.
He said many flight delays were caused bythe limited number of parking for slots planes.
Minister Davis Steven commendedthe Civil Aviation sector for implementing many of its programs and projects this year.
He quoted statistics that showed that domestic air moverments had increased from 25,000 in 2005 to a massive 1.6million last year.
“The opening of this new domestic apron is a significant one and a pleasant one,” said Minister Davis.
ADBeCountry manager Marcelo Minc said ADBewould continue to do its part to ensurethe people oPNG benefit from its assistance.
The inauguration ofthe extended apron came 24 months afterthe official ground breaking. There was also good feedback fromthe Construction Contractor Vucksick & Berch Limited.
MinistersSteven and Pala cutthe ribbon to openthe new domestic apron extension.
This was followed bythe traditional wash-down ofthe new Air Niugini Be ing 737, markingthe launch.
Minister Steven Davis announced that in yesterday’s NEC meet,the 2nd phase ofthe CADIP program was endorsed to go ahead next year.
This will see improverments inthe country’s 22 airports as well as communications and surveillance systems upgraded in Vanimo, Chimbu, Beka, Tokua, Nadzab and Momote Airports to name a few.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=w7s5O2rIlw%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
previous post