Beijing – The Angolan government is preparing to announce, in September this year, the tender for the management of Luanda New International Airport (NAIL).
The inauguration of the airport is scheduled for December this year, according to the Minister of Transport, Ricardo d´Abreu.
“We are preparing the necessary conditions to launch the international tender in September 2023”, the minister said while talking to the Angolan press in Beijing.
Ricardo d´Abreu is in visiting China to finalize details with officials of the company that is building the airport.
The minister highlighted that some companies specialized in the management of international airports around the world are expected for the tender, and some of them have already expressed their interest to participate.
He added that the operationalization of Luanda New International Airport will begin through the transport of cargo and then continue with the other subsequent phases.
Ricardo d´Abreu ensured that the construction works are in a “good pace”, that’s why he is visiting China to finalize technical details, such as technological issues, equipment to be placed along the airport infrastructure for the operationalization of the airport within the foreseen dates.
He also informed that there is a considerable number of staff undergoing training in China who should return to Angola and who will be able to support the technological aspects.
Certification process in parameters
Regarding the NAIL certification process, the Minister of Transport assured that it is taking place in three phases, the first being aimed at transferring the airport from the contract phase to the operation phase.
The second phase concerns the certification itself, whose fundamental role is played by Angola’s National Civil Aviation Authority, which will certify the airport, in a process that follows certain stages, while the third and last phase is the design of the new airport.
The minister also highlighted that “from a strategic point of view, the Government has decided that the airport will be managed by an international entity with an unquestionable reputation and operational technical capacity”.
He also said that the Operationalization Office for Luanda New International Airport announced, two weeks ago, the opening of job application for the new airport. With the announcement made, young professionals will be needed to ensure the functioning of the NAIL. YD/NE/DOJ
