The National Airport Corporation (NAC) has plans underway to ensure the Port Moresby International Airport facilities meet APEC expectations before the 2018 Leaders’ Summit.
Minister for Civil Aviation Davis Steven says the current preparations for 2018 APEC Summit are underway and expectations on the civil aviation sector are already been noted.
Steven said NAC is managing our gateway particularly the international terminal and the landing facilities.
In 2010, the Canadian firm Jacobs Consulting, completed a 20-year master plan for Port Moresby Airport.
The Master Plan suggested two options for long term International Terminal building.
One option was to develop the long-term international terminal building at the site where the old tower and terminal building are located, while the current terminal buildings would be utilised for domestic and cargo operations.
Another option was to connect the current terminal buildings to cater for medium term growth up to 2020 and begin developing the long term international terminal building suggested in the first option.
The next stage is to connect the international and domestic terminal buildings to increase terminal space to cater for forecast growth to 2030 and in time for the 2018 APEC Summit.
Steven said decisions have been made and it’s only proper that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill makes those announcements.
“It’s a major decision of Government and I’m expecting the Prime Minister to make the relevant announcements.
“I alert the newly appointed Board that important decisions will soon be announced regarding the APEC expectations and that they should be ready for it,” Steven said.
NAC newly appointed Board Chairman Reuben Aila added that looking at the APEC readiness and preparation for the airport is their priority in terms of driving the organisation forward.
Picture by Loop photographer Kennedy Bani