Tuesday, May 11, 2010

K.I.A master plan to cost $US579m

Kotoka International Airport (KIA) has initiated a master plan programme to take into consideration its growth over a 20 year period, Mrs. Doreen Owusu-Fianko, managing director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, GACL, has disclosed.

The plan estimated to cost $US579 million has the objective of facilitating the development of physical facilities at the airports.

Mrs. Owusu-Fianko explained in Accra that the design works which are currently on-going for the remodeling of the entire terminal building to ease traffic will provide for about 13 aerobridges to facilitate boarding of passengers.

“A significant facility in addition, is to implement a plan to establish Dubai shopping mall concept at KIA, a multi-purpose car park would be constructed, a Commercial Important Person (CIP) lounge would also be opened to the general public, as well as enhancing the basic hygiene and the establishment of a Port Health unit to conform with World Health Organisation’s requirement.

GACL is determined to secure and maintain all airports and airstrips in the country to reflect best practices as well as ensure that all airline operators conduct business in conducive environment.”

She indicated that consultations are in progress to expand office and warehousing facilities at the KIA to adequately meet expected high demand in office and related accommodation facilities.

She again stated that to adequately position KIA to meet expected growth, the following projects are being considered airline office complex for airline operators, airside premises for ground handlers, warehouse facilities at courier enclave and international trade hub.

She mentioned that improvement of the transit procedures at KIA, replacement of the current common user terminal equipment and flight information display systems with ultra facilities to ensure a more reliable passenger check-in and worldwide baggage tracking system are among some of the short term projects underway aimed at enhancing quality of service at the airport.

KIA Phase two development project which was completed in 2005 has the following expansion projects: a dedicated cargo apron and additional passenger apron have been constructed and ultra-modern communication, navigation and surveillance equipment installed.

“The aviation industry in the country has enjoyed steady, if not phenomenal, growth in recent years and this has been made possible as a result of the stable political, social and economic climate that the country is enjoying. It is also as a result of the liberalisation of the regulatory framework in which the industry operates,” Mrs. Owusu-Fianko observed.

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