Around Br6 billion is planned to be invested in the infrastructure of "Vitebsk" airport in 2009

July 2, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. About Br6 billion is planned to be invested in the infrastructure of the Vitebsk airport in 2009, the director of the Vitebsk branch of the state enterprise "Belaeronavigatsia" Sergey Ruris told a BELTA correspondent. The modernization of the airfield infrastructure is provided for by the state program for the development of civil aviation for 2006-2010. These funds will be directed to the repair and maintenance of the runway, taxiways and main roads, as well as the replenishment of the fleet of equipment involved in ground handling of aircraft. In the first half of 2009, Br1 billion has already been allocated for these purposes. In addition, in the near future, after the approval of the design project, the enterprise's specialists plan to begin the reconstruction of the airport terminal, which is expected to increase the passenger terminal's throughput. The updated airport will be able to serve up to 300 passengers simultaneously, and it is also planned to build an extension to the main airport building, expand the passenger service hall and service premises. In parallel with the modernization, specialists are studying the possibilities for expanding the range of airport services, including the organization of hangar storage for business aviation aircraft. Land plots have been formed on the territory of the airport for the placement of hangars and the arrangement of open areas for parking business aviation aircraft. Marketing research of the service market is being carried out, which will allow making a decision on the optimal choice of development directions for the Vitebsk airport. In addition, specialists from the Vitebsk branch of "Belaeronavigatsia" are working on issues of investment support for the project and the possibility of building an aviation transport and logistics center based on the airport. Vitebsk airport is located 10 km from Vitebsk. The enterprise provides intra-republican air traffic, serves charter domestic and international passenger and cargo transportation. It is also used for transit flights of business aviation. In 1996, the airport received international status, it is suitable for operating aircraft of the Il-76, Tu-154, Boeing-737 and Boeing-757-200, A-310-200 types. -0-