Naco, a Dutch airport consultancy and engineering company, said it has started work on a major redevelopment project at Kuwait International Airport which includes the setting up of a brand new third runway besides all airside and landside infrastructure and construction of a new air traffic control (ATC) tower.

Awarded by Avic International Holding Corporation (Avic INTL) on behalf of The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for a redevelopment project, the works involve the design of several major redevelopments at Kuwait International Airport.

The redevelopment work includes renovation of the existing East Runway. Its scope of work also involves the implementation of rainwater harvesting solutions in underground containers at the airport.

According to Naco, the revamp project is aimed at boosting aviation safety in the region and ultimately increasing passenger capacity.

Naco said it will be working closely with Avic INTL, which will be responsible for construction during the project, to deliver the project alongside local engineering design firm Gulf Consult.

Working within strict timescales, the design of the three project elements is expected to be completed by February next year, with construction expected to take place over the next five years, said a top official.

"This design contract builds on our long-standing relationship with Kuwait International Airport, having worked on projects at the airport since 1977," remarked Jelmer van der Meer, the director for Airport Civil Engineering at Naco.

"We were in fact involved in the design of the existing ATC back in 1986 so it’s a privilege to be continuing our work with this airport. We have a great track-record in this type of work and look forward to playing our part in this huge redevelopment work to provide the airport not only with improved connectivity, but also improved reliability and safety," noted der Meer.

Naco, he stated, has extensive experience working on projects such as this at Frankfurt International Airport, as well as those with similar environmental challenges such as Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Sun Jingfeng, the project manager of Avic INTL, said: "We’re delighted to be working on the delivery of the new third runway and associated works at Kuwait airport."

"The runway will be 4.5 km long and 60 m wide, and will be capable of receiving aircraft such as the Airbus 380. It will also ease traffic on current runways and once the new runway is complete, the East Runway will be refurbished and enlarged to match the new third runway," he added.-TradeArabia News Service