The second phase of the new apron developed on the west end of Velana International Airport - Hulhule' - has concluded.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) reports the new apron for aircraft parking will stretch 25,500 square meters in size with adequate space allowing four wide-bodies to park.
The first phase of the project completed during July 2019, and shortly afterwards the second phase commenced.
Developed by China's Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), the first phase of the apron covered 70,000 square meters of space allowing two varying types of aircraft to park under two parking options.
First option allows two wide bodies and seven narrow body aircraft parking space with the secon option allowing five wide bodies and one narrow body aircraft parking space.
The new apron is designed with systematic advantages for aircraft in refueling. Currently, fuel bowsers or lorries have to travel and refuel the parked crafts whereas the completion of the fuel system at VIA will greatly ease refueling; without the use of lorries or bowsers.
VIA's development project commenced during the administration of then President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
The total project is estimated to cost USD800 million (approximately MVR12.3 billion) which includes development of a new runway costing USD373 million.
Furthermore, the development project includes a new passenger terminal, fuel-farm along with a new cargo terminal as well as a new seaplane terminal.
Whoever the president is , we should be thankful for leaders who have a future plan to stand on our feet . We need to reduce the dependency to other countries.