The development work on Sialkot international airport is in full swing and it is expected that cargo flights from this airport would be started by December this year, sources connected with the project told Business Recorder here on Saturday.
This project has a great significance because it is being totally financed by the private sector which so far had not built a project of this magnitude in the country.
The whole project would cost Rs 2 billion and it is being developed on ''build, own and operate'' (BOO) basis.
This modern and professionally designed international airport is spread over an area of 1004 acres and would be fully equipped to handle B747-400, A300 and 737 aircraft.
The airport will not only cater to the needs of ''golden industrial triangle'' of Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat but would also generate thousands of employment opportunities besides bringing a revolutionary change in the socio-economic scenario of the region.
With the emergence of Dry Port, Export Processing Zone and this new Airport at Sialkot, the importance of the area will further enhance which will ultimately help in substantial increase in the exports from this area.
With the support and co-operation of the government the construction of airport has taken a practical shape which would solve the logistic problems of traders and industrialists of Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat areas.
The potential traffic forecast for Sialkot international airport is scaled down at the time of opening to 530,339 passengers a year while estimated cargo tonnage at the time of opening is expected to be 28,515 tons. This means that by the end of 2012, about 53,000 tons cargo may be lifted from this Airport.
It was President General Pervez Musharraf who approved the project. The business community has played a significant role in undertaking this huge project.