Cat Bi int’l airport upgraded

VGP – The project to upgrade Cat Bi International Airport in the northern seaport city of Hai Phong began on March 19 after five months of approval.

March 19, 2013 3:40 PM GMT+7

The project to expand Cat Bi International Airport is scheduled to take place between 2013 and 2015 – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Hai Phong is a long-standing seaport and industrial city, functioning as the hub of the North Coastal Region and economic gateway for Northern provinces towards the outside world.

The local economic growth is 1.5 times higher than the national average rate. Meanwhile, better technical infrastructure and modern urbanization have made Hai Phong a leading FDI recipient.

Cat Bi Airport gained rapid growth rate of over 38% in the 2005-2011 period and is expected to quickly serve 1 million guests a year.

Hence, the project is of great significance for not only Hai Phong but also for the Northern economic region and the whole country.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, PM Nguyen Tan Dung requested the local authorities and related units to ensure quality and progress of the project.

The US$176 million project targets to build a 4E level international airport and receive Boeing B777, Boeing B747, Boeing B767 and Airbus A321 aircraft.

As scheduled, by 2015, the international airport will handle 2 million passengers a year.

The same day, PM Dung visited Song Cam Shipbuilding Joint Stock Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vinashin in Hai Phong./.

By Kim Loan