A K60 million project was signed today for the upgrade of the Gurney Airport in Milne Bay Province.
Project contracts were signed between the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Chinese contractor, Sino Hydro.
Present to witness was Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel, Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Davies Steven, Civil Aviation Minister Alfred Manase and Chinese Embassy officials.
Sino Hydro managing director, He Tingfu, said the company was ready to immediately begin work.
“We now stand ready and committed to work with the NAC team to implement this airport project,” he said.
The airport upgrade will see the erection of a new terminal and facilities and the extension of the existing runway.
The program is funded under the Asian Development Bank’s Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP).
“It will involve a new terminal facility, runway extension from 1,700 metres to 1,900 metres, there will be a larger apron for the future if we intend to bring in the 737’s, and all the other associated works.”
Deputy PM Abel said the project complements tourism hubs identified in the country.
“Kokopo by the way is also being looked at for an upgrade as well, as the initial tourism hubs, but of course we have Madang there and (Mt) Hagen as well that have been upgraded to cater for future international flights,” said Abel.