Ambon airport to be expanded

Ambon airport to be expanded

AMBON, Maluku: The Pattimura Airport runway will be lengthened
from 1,850 meters to 2,500 meters to accommodate wide-bodied
aircraft like the Air Bus.

Head of the provincial transportation office P.J. Usep Wijaya
said yesterday the project will begin next year. The expanded
runway is expected to be in operation in 1998.

He told Antara that the project to be funded by the Asian
Development Bank will be open for tender by international
contractors.

The project is considered important in view of the
implementation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation free
trade agreement by the year 2020, when Indonesia will need more
international airports. (pan)