Three uplift projects in aviation sector launched

LAHORE: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has assigned Nespak three mega development projects in aviation sector.

These projects included upgrade and expansion of Begum Nusrat Bhutto (BNB) Sukkur Airport as an International Airport for wide body Aircrafts with all allied facilities, design and Construction Supervision for Expansion and Renovation of Passenger Terminal Building and Allied Infrastructure Facilities at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore and Aviation Tower at Islamabad. A Formal Consultancy Contract Signing ceremony was held at Allama Iqbal International Airport here on Wednesday. The ceremony was witnessed by Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Federal Minister of Aviation, Khaqan Murtaza, DG PCAA and Dr Tahir Masood, Managing Director Nespak.

The signing of agreement was made by Engr VS Sodha, Director P&D on behalf of PCAA and Muhammad Farooq, GM/Head Nespak Karachi Division for Sukkur and Lahore Airport and with Danish Raza, GM/Head Nespak Islamabad Division for Aviation Tower Islamabad. After agreement signing ceremony, a brief presentation was given by MD Nespak to the federal minister for aviation about the status of the BNB Sukkur Airport project. Salient features of expansion plan including extension of Runway and Taxiway, Reconstruction of Apron and Terminal Building along with other allied and support facilities were presented. As per the presentation, the new Terminal Building and Airside Facilities shall cater for the requirements of Code E Aircrafts (Boeing 777) for next 20 years. In addition to connecting the population of the areas to international destinations, the Airport will also cater to the requirement of exporting local handicraft of area, fresh vegetables and fruits to nearby Middle East countries.

Federal Minister for Aviation appreciated the efforts of Nespak and instructed PCAA and NESPAK to complete the planning, design and bidding phase within 6 months to complete the construction activities in the estimated period of next 24 months. Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has also planned to construct a 38-storey high-rise office cum commercial tower at Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area Islamabad. The PCAA Tower, which is first ever tallest building in Islamabad, is going to be an iconic building with around 38-storeys with state-of-the art facilities.