K90m for airport upgrade

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 19th April 2013

 THE government has committed K90 million over the next three years to re-develop Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced this yesterday during the commissioning of three airport rescue and fire fighting vehicles and re-developments at the domestic terminal.

He said K30 million was allocated in the 2013 budget for the development of Jackson Airport.

O’Neill said the government had committed more than US$400 million (K858 million) in loan funding with the Asian Development Bank to rehabilitate airports in the country.

“Airport infrastructures are essential given the conditions of the current road network, coupled with associated law and order and compensation issues,” he said.

NAC bought the vehicles for K3 million each. 

Civil Aviation Minister Steven Davis said the government was committed to improving airports in the country. 

O’Neill said air travel would remain an important mode of transport because of the country’s topo­graphy.

“The rapid transition of airports from basic runways and terminal infrastructure to extensive business, commercial and service hubs is now a fact of life,” he said.

He said the cost of air travel in the country was relatively high compared to other South Pacific nations.

“The travelling public expects a service that reflects value for money.” 

He said the improved terminal buildings, passenger processing facilities, security and screening equipment and services for providing passenger convenient and comfort were critical to on-time performances of airlines.

“We must build our infrastructure so that this becomes the means by which our people can receive much needed services,” he said.

NAC chairman Peter Neville said the organisation strove to improve services, increase financial independence and maintain safety and compliance standards at all the airports.