Expansion of Faisalabad Airport: Sardar Mahtab displeased at quality, pace of work

Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan, has expressed dissatisfaction and consternation over the quality and pace of expansion and renovation of Faisalabad International Airport and has strictly directed authorities concerned to complete the project within stipulated time. He said that no delay will be tolerated in this regard.
He expressed these views during his surprise visit while inspecting the progress of expansion and renovation work at Faisalabad International Airport, here in Faisalabad on Tuesday. Member National Assembly Mian Mannan, CAA Director General Air Marshal Asim Suleman (retd) and other officials were also present on this occasion.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan, emphasized to speed up the work at Faisalabad airport and the construction work should match international standards. While talking to the media, Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan expressed that Faisalabad is third-most-populous city of Pakistan, and the second-largest in the eastern province of Punjab. It is hub of industrial and commercial activities. Incumbent government has always been striving hard to formulate solid strategies to promote commercial and economic activities of this city, he added.
He said that currently renovation and expansion of five different national airports was underway, which will not only be beneficial in short term but also will help immensely in long term. He added that the expansion and renovation of Faisalabad International Airport is divided in two phases; 1.3 billion rupees were allocated for the first phase, which would be completed in the month of January, 2018, whereas PML-N govt would focus on installing latest navigation system in 2nd phase of this project.
He further added that in order to modernize and upgrade the Faisalabad International Airport as per international standards, induction of latest and modern technology is being ensured to maximize the efficiency and productivity of this Airport. Its newly constructed and renovated lounge will serve the sitting capacity of 600 passengers at the same time, while expanded airport apron will allow 3 big planes to land and load simultaneously.
He further directed to establish the new cargo shipment system at the airport to improve the cargo facilities. He shared with media that two bridges are also being constructed for viable movements of passengers across the airport. On this occasion, Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan directed the officials to install latest landing lights to cope with smog and fog and to ensure smooth schedule of all flights. He also directed the officials to start daily flights from Faisalabad to Jeddah.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan also visited the office of PIA at Faisalabad Airport and instructed to construct the new office of PIA on modern lines and asked to present the feasibility report in this regard. He further instructed all the officials to facilitate the passengers and pay attention to cleanliness and other facilities.-PR