Africa-Press – Angola. Jurist Júlia Ferreira declared, Friday, in Luanda, that the new Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) could constitute a major hub for the continent and beyond, similar to South Africa and Ethiopia.
Speaking after the inauguration of the airport infrastructure, by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, he highlighted that the new airport will generate revenue for the country and enable greater monetary circulation.
“I was impressed with the infrastructure, it wasn’t what I imagined when I saw it from a distance, now that I had the opportunity to follow it, I can really see that the work is magnificent”, he expressed.
For you, the new Airport is without a doubt a reference from a heritage, economic and social point of view.
“Now what we have to do, as Angolans, is to support the project, especially in its preservation for the good of the country and Angolans. We are to be congratulated, for the fact that the infrastructure was inaugurated on the eve of National Independence Day”, he stressed .
The university professor also noted that the new airport will allow for greater flow of goods and greater passenger traffic.
On the other hand, the widow of the first President of the Republic of Angola, Maria Eugénia Neto, considered the tribute paid to Agostinho Neto, after whom the new international airport in Luanda was named, fair, for his achievements in favor of the country’s development. .
He considered the airport infrastructure to be of great importance, which, in his opinion, needs to be well maintained.
Likewise, Roberto de Almeida, a prominent figure in Angolan nationalism, considered the creation of this type of infrastructure essential to promote tourism and attract more investors to the country.
“The infrastructure is a good calling card for our country, it is inviting, beautiful, innovative and very modern”, he expressed.
On the other hand, politician Aguinaldo Jaime said that Angola has just opened up tourism to investment, not just on the continent but across the world.
The first official flight from Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport landed successfully this Friday, marking the beginning of operations for the provisional certification of the airport infrastructure.
On board the aircraft of the national flag company TAAG 777 – 300, named “Morro do Moco”, 109 passengers disembarked, including public managers, public figures, traditional entities, among other guests from the Ministry of Transport.
Among the passengers was Angolan nationalist Amadeu Amorim, who highlighted the importance of this infrastructure for the country’s development.
The aircraft, which departed from 04 de Fevereiro International Airport, in Luanda, was crewed by commander João Mendes, chief of the flag carrier’s 777 (triple seven) fleet, and landed on the south runway, four thousand meters long.
The flight lasted approximately 12 minutes and received a water arch baptism upon arrival by two Civil Protection and Firefighters cars, parked on the runway.
Located in the urban district of Bom Jesus, municipality of Icolo and Bengo, province of Luanda, the infrastructure, built 40 kilometers from the country’s capital, comes into operation in phases, with the 1st reserved for cargo services, until February 2024.
According to the operating schedule for the new Luanda International Airport, the 2nd phase begins in February 2024, with domestic flight operations.
According to the Angolan Government’s planning, the last stage, scheduled for June 2024, will be marked by the start of international flight operations.
In the first phase, the new airport will operate with provisional certification, as there is not yet sufficient experience in airport operations.
The phased opening of the new infrastructure takes place for security reasons, testing, certification and staff training, to assess real demand, procedures that help minimize risks and ensure a smooth transition to full operation.
The new airport infrastructure occupies an area of 1,324 hectares, has capacity for 15 million passengers and a cargo volume of 130 thousand tons per year.
With two double runways, the airport is prepared to receive, among others, aircraft of the B747 and A380 types, the latter considered the largest commercial aircraft today.
The south runway (the largest), which is four thousand meters by 60 meters wide, received, in June 2022, the first experimental flight of a Boeing 777 type aircraft from the national flag company – TAAG.
In addition to the two runways, AIAAN also has 31 lanes, of which 19 are for international services and 11 are for domestic services, as well as 9 conveyor belts for baggage storage, six of which are dedicated to international flights.
The infrastructure includes 26 branches of the Migration and Foreigners Service (SME), a parking lot for 1,710 vehicles, as well as space reserved for shops, in an area of 1,825 square meters.
It also has 22 VIP lounges, a clinic and a first aid center attached to the passenger terminal, in addition to contemplating the construction of an airport city from scratch, which will cover a total area of 75 km2.
Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport has ramps, elevators and trained staff to pay special attention to people with reduced mobility.
angop
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
