Iraq's Erbil International Airport (EIA) has partnered with Lufthansa Consulting, part of the Lufthansa Group, to support the development and implementation of its masterplan, a report said.

The contract, funded by EIA, will secure for the airport key expertise across a range of airport disciplines from project management, through planning, design, cargo, security and safety, said a report in Iraq Business News.

“The expertise that Lufthansa Consulting can bring is essential as we seek to develop and expand infrastructure and services at EIA. Managing projects, keeping them on time and to budget is vital part of developing Kurdistan’s gateway to the world,” Talar Faiq, director general, EIA, was quoted as saying in the report.

“In the coming months EIA will re-calibrate its masterplan to take into account new realities, of passenger growth, the anticipated increase in cargo activity and the very real increase in aircraft movements.

“Once our priorities are defined EIA will develop design and implementation tenders and will, where appropriate, offer investment opportunities to the private sector. Lufthansa Consulting will support the airport’s own team, and will deploy their experts as needed.”

From September, EIA will commence several projects developed over the last three years including repairs to terminal roof, airfield infrastructure, landscaping, fuel farm rehabilitation and water treatment plant, the report said.

“The range of projects to be delivered in the coming months demands the highest level of project management. Lufthansa Consulting will provide the support we need to deliver on behalf of Kurdistan. “

Lufthansa’s Catrin Drawer said: “Lufthansa Consulting was honoured to develop a new masterplan in 2014. We look forward to supporting EIA and the KRG with expert resources as they seek to manage a range of complex projects across the airport site to upgrade the infrastructure and services for further business development and attracting potential investors.”