A plane prepares for take-off in a trial run of navigation and communication systems at the new airport in Huaphan province. - VT
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The first test flight took place at the new Nong Khang Airport in Huaphan province on Wednesday (April 19), with the airport set to be officially completed by the end of this month following a lengthy construction project that began in 2014.
The flight tested the airport’s navigation and communication systems and involved an aircraft supplied by the Thailand Radio Aviation Company “Aerothai” - a Super King Air Model-B300 – with test flights to take place from April 19-27.
In the meantime, the Vietnamese contractor will strive to ensure full completion of the passenger terminal, control tower and other buildings, drainage, ground surfaces, boundary wall and other features of the airport before April 30.
The runway is 2,400 metres long and 30 metres wide. The Department of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport owns the project, which is expected to be handed over by the contractor at the end of April.
The airport, located in Xamneua district, has been built in accordance with safety standards mandated by the Department of Civil Aviation and standards required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
These state that the airport should be able to accommodate 70-100-seat aircraft such as the ATR 72, Fokker 70, MA-60, and Fokker-100 or equivalent. Vietnam’s Hoang Anh Gia Lai Joint Stock Company (HAGL) began construction of the airport at the end of 2014 but had to suspend work in 2015 after encountering financial difficulties. The airstrip was originally scheduled for completion at the end of 2016.
The project was first given the green light in June 2013 when the government, represented by the Department of Civil Aviation, signed a contract with HAGL worth more than US$74 million (about 616 billion kip).
When it finally becomes operational, the airport will bring many more visitors to Huaphan, which borders on Vietnam to the east, and open up opportunities for the growth of tourism and investment in the remote northern province.
Laos’ main airports are Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, and airports in Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Savannakhet, Champassak and Bokeo provinces.
Elsewhere, the runway at Huayxai Airport in Bokeo province is currently being extended to better serve regional transport needs and cater to the growth in investment and tourism.
