PM's advisor on aviation dissatisfied over slow pace of work in expansion of Faisalabad airport

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan on Tuesday showed dissatisfaction and consternation over the quality and pace of expansion and renovation at Faisalabad international airport.

He directed the authorities concerned to complete the project within stipulated time. “No delay would be tolerated in this regard,” he said during his surprise visit while inspecting the progress the airport.

Member National Assembly Mian Mannan, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General Air Marshal (retired ) Asim Suleman and other officials were also present on this occasion.

Sardar Methab Khan emphasized to speed up the work at Faisalabad airport by making it alike international standards.

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Talking to the media, the advisor to prime minister on aviation said that Faisalabad is third-most-populous city in Pakistan, and the second-largest in the eastern Punjab.

“It is hub of industrial and commercial activities. The incumbent government is always striving hard to design solid strategies to promote commercial and economic activities of this city,” he said.

He said that currently renovation and expansion of five different national airports was in progress which would not only be beneficial in short term but also would be favorable in long term.

He added that the expansion of Faisalabad International airport was divided in two parts; Rs1.3 billion were allocated for first phase, which would be completed in the January, 2018, whereas the government was focusing to install latest navigation system in 2nd phase of that project.

The advisor further added that to modernize and upgrade the Faisalabad international airport as per international standards, induction of latest and modern technology was being ensured to maximize the efficiency and productivity of that airport.

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“Its newly constructed and renovated lounge will serve the sitting capacity of 600 passengers at the same time, while expanded airport apron will allow 3 big planes to land and load simultaneously,” he said.

He further directed to establish the new cargo shipment system at the airport to improve the cargo facilities. He shared with media that two bridges were also being constructed for viable movements of passengers across the airport.

Mahtab Khan directed the officials to install latest landing lights to cope with smog and fog and to ensure smooth schedule of all flights. He also directed the officials to start daily flights from Faisalabad to Jeddah.

He also visited the office of PIA at Faisalabad airport and instructed to construct a new cutting edge office of PIA and asked to present one feasibility report in this regard.  He further instructed all the officials to facilitate the passengers and to pay attention to cleanliness and level of other facilities. He asserted that he will again visit the Faisalabad airport soon to inspect the pace of work and quality measures.