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Thursday, June 13, 2013

■ ETHIOPIA: EAE to open enlarged apron at Addis Ababa Bole in coming months; projects in Jimma, Assosa, Bahir Dar soon.

Ethiopian Airports EnterpriseThe Ethiopian Airports Enterprise (EAE) says the opening of Addis Ababa Bole International's USD84million upgraded apron, capable of handling 44 aircraft, is expected to come online in the next few months.

Contracted to China Road and Building Construction Company and with supervision work being done by a local Ethiopian firm - the Transport Construction Design Consultancy Share Company - the EAE expects the new apron to ease the persistent aircraft parking problem the airport faces, particularly during large international conferences.

Meanwhile, the EAE has announced that several other projects around Ethiopia are almost ready for commissioning .

Jimma's Aba Jifar Airport
Jimma's Aba Jifar Airport (EAE)
Jimma: The next project due for completion and commissioning is at Jimma's Aba Jifar Airport, situated 355km South West of Addis Ababa, where a new 2800x45m runway 13/31 capable of handling 767s, taxiway and terminal are under construction. According to the EAE, construction of the runway started in January 24, 2009, and was contracted by Varnero Construction PLC. The Terminal is being built by Yirgalem Construction PLC, with passenger throughput expected to quadruple to reach 100/hour. Overall cost of improvements is USD16.5million.

Assosa: Assosa International Airport, located 660kms west of Addis Ababa, is preparing to open its new Passenger Terminal project, constructed by Akir Construction PLC. The venture has increased the passenger holding capacity of the terminal fivefold to reach 100, with a capital of more than USD2.25million. An inauguration date is slated for next month. A new 2400x45m runway was constructed with B737-700s in mind.

Bahir Dar:  The Ginbot 20 International Airport project in Bahir Dar, located 477km north of the capital, saw the construction of a passenger terminal and a cold room for USD8million. The construction of the passenger terminal, was awarded to Satcon Construction Co Plc. The 150t capacity cold room was constructed by a Dutch firm, Celtics Ethiopia PLC, with both facilities due to open in july.