Development work on mega project of Sialkot International Airport is in full swing and it is expected that cargo flights would be started from this airport by December this year, sources in Sialkot International Airport told Business Recorder here on Sunday.
This project had a great significance because it was totally financed by private sector and so far the private sector had not built a project of this magnitude and size in the country, they added.
The project, being developed on build, own and operate (BOO) basis, would be completed at a cost of Rs 2 billion.
This modern and professionally designed international airport is being developed over 1004 acres of land and fully equipping for handling B747-400, A300 and 737 aircraft.
The airport would not only cater the needs of golden industrial triangle of Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat but also generate employment opportunities for thousands of workforce, besides bringing a revolutionary change in the socio-economic development of the region.
With the merging of Dry Port, Export Processing Zone and Airport at Sialkot, the importance of the area would further enhance, which would ultimately help substantial increase in the exports from the area in future.
In the absence of airport, the exporters of Sialkot are confronting with multifarious problems because the air cargo from the area is sent via Lahore and Islamabad airports.
However, due to support and co-operation of the government, the construction of the airport has been given a practical shape, which would ultimately help reduce the logistic problems of exporters of Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat areas.
The potential traffic forecast for Sialkot international airport is scaled down at the time of opening to 530339 passengers a year while estimated cargo tonnage at the time of opening is expected to be 28515 tonnes.
This means that by the end of year 2012 about 53,000 tonnes of cargo would be lifted from Sialkot International Airport.
President General Pervez Musharraf had approved the project of Sialkot International Airport and helped fulfilling dream of the business community of this export-oriented city and hub of cottage industry of the country.
The business community has played significant role in undertaking such a huge airport project elegantly on self-reliance basis for fulfilling their dream.