Kavieng’s runway upgrade complete, ready for jet operations

The National Business

THE Kavieng Airport runway could not take in Fokker 100 aircraft earlier this year due to continuous threats by landowners, according to the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
NAC managing director and chief executive officer Rex Kiponge said following the resumption of Air Niugini’s Fokker 100 next month.
“NAC would like to clarify to the public that the runway for the Kavieng Airport was completed in mid-January this year and was ready for the resumption of jet operations. However, continuous threats by the landowners have delayed the resumption of Fokker 100 or similar types of aircraft into the airport.
“NAC has held several meetings with representatives from the New Ireland provincial government (NIPG) and other stakeholders in the province to discuss and find solutions to the issue. While consultation on the issue is ongoing, we note the recent announcement by Air Niugini that the operation of Fokker 100 will recommence in August.”
Kiponge said construction work on the new terminal building was progressing well and expected to be completed by end of September.
The Kavieng airport upgrade project was awarded to China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd (CRCEG) in July 2020 and is valued at K125.7 million.
The scope of work for the project includes:

  • EXTENSION of the airport’s runway by 500-metres and upgrading of the existing runway, taxiway and apron pavement including new asphalt surfacing;
  • INSTALLATION of the new airfield ground lighting system; and,
  • CONSTRUCTION of the new terminal building and associated works.

Kiponge said the upgrading of Kavieng airport was part of a series of airport projects under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme (Cadip 1) implemented by NAC with support from the national government and the Asian Development Bank.