Vanimo has a new airport terminal.
Officially opened yesterday (6th of June) by National Airports Corporation (NAC) Chairman Rowland Abaijah and CEO Rex Kiponge – the new terminal and extended runway now stands ready to serve the travelling public in and out of Vanimo.
Construction began in April, 2019 with the extension of the airport runway. A sum of K41.3million was used to extend the runway from 1,660 meters to 1,960 meters. Following the extension, K28.8million was put into the construction of the state of the art airport terminal facility. The overall cost of the project was K70.1million.
The airport upgrade is part of the Civil Aviation Development Initiative Program (CADIP) of 2009 by the then Somare led Government. It is a partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) where a 12-year program was agreed. A total of K1.67billion has been invested in the CADIP program.
For Vanimo, the extended runway and new airport facility are steps towards achieving a bigger goal of transforming Vanimo into the gateway to Asia. NAC Managing Director and CEO Rex Kiponge spoke of this vision and highlighted the positive impacts it will have on Vanimo and West Sepik.
“West Sepik Province being PNG’s closest gateway into Asia and sharing a geographical land border with Indonesia, Vanimo Airport anticipates hosting international flights in the future. The airport has the potential to increase the volume of socio-economic activities in the province, the country and the Asia-Pacific Region,” Kiponge said.
Similar words were shared by NAC Chairman Rowland Abaijah.
“You have beautiful beaches and surfing spots here in West Sepik, you have trade activities happening at the border at Batas, you have vanilla farmers coming in from East Sepik via road to sell their vanilla to the Indonesians. This new modern airport that we have delivered here in Vanimo now supports you in taking those opportunities further,” he said.
The Vanimo Airport Upgrade Project includes the upgrade of the aircraft pavement to accommodate unrestricted operations of Fokker 100 or similar types of aircrafts. It can cater for two Fokker 100 aircrafts on the ground at any one time. The terminal is fitted with the state of the art screening machines and baggage conveyor belts for departure and arrival. The departure hall can cater to over 100 passengers and is fully air-conditioned with toilet facilities including disability access areas. The terminal also has a kiosk and an ATM with a VIP lounge.
“The improved airport facilities will enhance passenger comfort,” Kiponge added.
Vanimo is the 2nd Terminal and Runway upgrade under the tranche 3 series of projects implemented under CADIP. Momote in Manus was the 1st airport. Wewak and Madang will follow soon after.
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