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Sunday, June 24, 2018

A look at the new Goroka Airport

The Government, through the Asian Development Bank (ADB)- funded Civil Aviation Development Improvement Programme (CADIP)has invested over K111 million into Goroka Airport since 2009, according to National Airports Corporation board chairman Reuben Aila.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill opened the K95.7 million Goroka Airport upgrade project on Tuesday June 5.

This together with other works since 2009 add up to more than K111 million.

"Goroka Airport benefitted from the successful delivery of another two Cadip projects between 2010 and 2017, whose combined value was approximately K15.8 million," Aila said.

"These two projects included the delivery of a state-of-the-art airport rescue and firefighting (Arff) from the United States to Goroka Airport under Cadip Tranche 2.

"This also included a support vehicle, operational and maintenance training for the Arff and technical staff, and other ongoing support at a total cost of approximately K4.8 million.

"The other project was the high-strength steel palisade security fence around the entire petimeter of the airport at a cost of approximately K11 million.

"This investment has delivered world-class airport facilities that meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) PNG cenrtification requirements, and allow the unrestricted operations of F100 and other similar capacity aircraft at Goroka Airport."

Current works included:

  • Main runway pavement strengthening;
  •  Extension of the main runway by 250m from 1650m to 1900m;
  • Runway strip widening to 150m;
  • Taxiway and apron strengthening and improvements;
  • Construction of the runway end safety area (Resa);
  • Resealing of the secondary runway;
  • General aviation apron and associated taxiway;
  • Application of pavement line markings;
  • Improvements to airside drainage systems; and
  • Installation of airfield lighting and precision approach path indicator (Papi) systems.

"The landside works included the construction of the new Goroka Airport Terminal building, construction of a new aircraft rescue and firefighting (Arff) station, a new powerhouse including the supply and installation of 2400kva generator sets, a new tractor shed with a tractor, slasher and trailer, and associated airport maintenance equipment," Aila said.

"A new airport control tower will also be constructed as part of this project.

"Construction will commence in June 2018 after Nac staff move into the new terminal building.

"This will also enhance air navigational and management services, enhance communications navigation, and surveillance of air traffic management systems."

Aila said the benefits of the Goroka Airport upgrade project included provision of safe, secure and reliable airport facilities to Eastern Highlands, the Highlands region and PNG as a whole.

"The upgraded airport will facilitate social and economic development by enhancing agriculture, tourism and business connectivity," he said.

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