– Extended facility to become operational in 2011Works underway at the Ogle Airport to extend the runwayBy Gary EleazarThe Ogle Airport will today be officially marking certification as an International facility along with the ceremonial signing of the contract for the completion of Phase II of a 4,000-ft (International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Class II C Runway.The current Ogle Airport is currently classified as an ICAO Class I A.Media operatives were yesterday taken on a tour of the construction site as it relates to the extension of the airport’s runway which according to airport manager Anthony Mekdeci will become operational in the first quarter of 2011.He noted that whilst the extension works should be completed next year there are still to be several other necessary undertakings before the new classification for the airport could be duly recognised.The Airport that currently earns between US$300,Cheap Jerseys From China,000-$400,000 is being projected to double with the doubling of the length of the runway.The dimensions of the Airport currently are 2,000 feet by 60 feet, which will be increased to 4,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys,000 feet by 100 feet.Airport manager Anthony MekdeciThe US$6M Phase II enhancement of the Airport includes improvement of taxiways, aprons,Cheap Jerseys From China, perimeter fences,Cheap Jerseys From China, runway lights and the upgrade of terminals among other projects.The project is being funded by the Guyana Government, CARIFORUM,Wholesale World Cup Jerseys, as well as private investors at the airport.The company contracted to execute the works following a tender process is BK International, and according to Mekdeci, he is pleased with the works carried out thus far at the airport.Mekdeci yesterday informed media operatives that when the airport becomes operational in 2011 it would then be expected to facilitate larger aircraft coming straight from the Caribbean as well neighbouring countries, among others.He pointed out that while there are no indications, at present, of which flights would be accommodated at the airport, there are several carriers capable of operating on the new runway.Upon the commencement of its operation, the Airport staffing will have to be increased to almost double its current complement.There is also the spin-off of businesses that are expected such as increased taxi services,Wholesale Jerseys China, luggage handling and hospitality ventures such as restaurants and hotels.“With the new opportunity that would be available with the extension, the current airlines that operate on the airport could expand themselves and domestic operators could expand to overseas operations with larger aircraft,” Mekdeci opined.He noted that the international traffic using the facility is only because of the new certification status, which will inherently assure that the level of safety measures in place are of the highest because, “people from foreign countries will not allow their aircraft to come here unless we meet those standards.”Some 48 squatters had to be removed to facilitate the extension of the runway and there are still about eight households in the identified area. Mekdeci pointed out that the airport is currently engaged with the Ministry of Housing in this regard.