Maldives President Praises Plans for “World Class” International Airport

President Nasheed has said that the new Male’ International Airport will be a “state-of-the-art, 21st Century airport of which every Maldivian can be proud.”
The government awarded the contract for building and operating the new airport yesterday to Malaysia Airports Holdings and GMR Group, after a competitive tendering process, overseen by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation.
Malaysia Airports Holdings operate 59 airports, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which many aviation experts consider to be one of the best airports in the world.
Malaysia Airports Holdings has worked with India’s GMR Group for over seven years. The two firms designed, built and now manage Hyderabad’s new international airport. Malaysia Airports Holdings and GMR Group also manage Istanbul International Airport and next month will unveil Delhi’s new international airport.
“GMR Group will build the new terminal and Malaysia Airports will operate and manage the new airport for 25 years. However, the airport will still remain the property of the Maldivian people. The Maldives National Defense Force will provide security and the government will retain control over which aircraft can land at the airport,” said Mifzal.
Malaysia Airports Holdings and GMR Group will invest over US0 million in the new airport, which is due to be completed in 2014.
30/06/10 ISRIA

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Categories: Airports Jun 2010, Foreign Jun 2010, New Jun 2010