ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 2017: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority is going to equip all important airports in the Pakistan with latest navigation and airport management systems For this purpose work is in progress at Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Faisalabad airport where latest aviation system will be in place in two to six months, to promote better connectivity in the region and beyond.
Besides replacing the present radar system, the authority is also focusing on other facilities like boarding bridges, roads infrastructure, parking and lounges, training facilities are also being modernized to facilitate passengers as well as air traffic operations.
“Work is in progress at Lahore and Karachi while Faisalabad and Peshawar airports would be fully equipped by January and April next year. Quetta airport would be giving a new look by mid of next year. Most of these airports shall have new radar system as well as boarding bridges instead of buses,” a senior official at civil aviation told APP here.
“We are on way to modernize our airports to enhance connectivity as well as attract more airlines to start operation here. These measures are an effort towards fulfillment of the present government promises made to people for revamping the aviation system.”
Giving brief details of the measures the official mentioned to bettering the access road to Lahore airport and construction of 12 boarding bridges at Karachi airport. “During last four years our organization focused number of areas and stepped up efforts to revamp the system for meeting modern age challenges.”
He also mentioned to upgrading the training institute for personnel at Control Towers and said earlier training for those personnel was a must from air force and civil aviation institutions. “But, now we are trying to modernize the institute where people from private sector could also get training and get jobs within the country and abroad.”
He said upgradation of the training institute would enhance technical know how of the personnel by teaching them latest calibration mechanisms. “The certificate issued by our institute would accepted anywhere in the world that would facilitate our experts to get jobs in other countries.”
When asked about work pace on new Islamabad airport, the official said, during last two years the work progressed speedily and “today we have completed 97% work with only percent remaining for preparation of testing and commissioning report. Civil Aviation Authority accomplished the work in two years that was lingering on since last many years. This shows commitment of the present government towards revamping the aviation system.”
He informed that radar system at all airports would be modernized by June next year. “Eight airports are on our list for expansion and equipping with latest equipments.”
In most of instances in world, airports are closed for expansion and revamping but “we in Pakistan were accomplishing this task without suspending the air control operations. We have focus on generating multiple activities like connectivity, trade, travelling, education and easiness for passengers.”
He said airport facilities and latest system at those facilities was also important in view of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor which would be bringing in massive economic activity in coming years. “We are keeping multiple targets in mind while revamping whole of this system and hope, our efforts would facilitate more economic activity in the country.”
