Aviation top boss unhappy on pace of Faisalabad airport’s renovation works

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mahtab Ahmed Khan on Tuesday directed authorities concerned with the expansion and renovation of Faisalabad International Airport to complete the project within stipulated time.
During the surprise visit to inspect the progress of the project, he expressed dissatisfaction and consternation over the quality and pace of expansion and renovation at the airport and said no delay would be tolerated in this regard. The advisor asked to speed up the work and to follow international standards.
“Faisalabad is the third-most-populous city in Pakistan, and the second-largest in the eastern province of Punjab. It is the hub of industrial and commercial activities. The incumbent government is always striving to design solid strategies to promote commercial and economic activities of this city,” he said.
Khan said currently renovation and expansion of five different national airports was in process, which would not only be beneficial in short-term but also would be favourable in the long-term.
“Expansion of Faisalabad International Airport is divided in two parts; Rs1.3 billion is allocated for the first phase, which will be completed in January, 2018, whereas we are focusing to install latest navigation system in the 2nd phase of this project.”
The airports newly constructed and renovated lounge would serve 600 passengers at the same time, while expanded airport apron would allow three big planes to land and load simultaneously. He further directed to establish the new cargo shipment system at the airport to improve the cargo facilities. He said two bridges were also being constructed for viable movement of passengers across the airport.
The advisor directed the officials to install latest landing lights to cope with smog and fog and to ensure smooth schedule of all flights. He also directed the officials to start daily flights from Faisalabad to Jaddah.
Visiting the PIA office at the airport, Khan instructed to update it as a cutting-edge workplace and asked for a feasibility report in this regard. He also instructed the officials to facilitate passengers and to pay attention to cleanliness and quality of other facilities.
The PM’s advisor on aviation said he would visit the airport again to check the pace of work and inspect the quality measures.
National Assembly member Mian Mannan, CAA Director General retired Air Marshal Asim Suleman and other officials were also present on the occasion.