Firms awarded tenders to build hangars, install scanners at airport

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The Kisumu airport. PHOTO | FILE 

By PATRICK LANGAT

In Summary

• The airport also plans to build new apron stands which will accommodate three B737 and two B767 planes.

The Kenya Airports Authority has awarded three firms tenders to build hangars and install thermo-scanners to detect diseases at Kisumu Airport.

KAA also plans to start using the airport’s expanded runway to receive bigger and international aeroplanes as it prepares to handle 400,000 passengers annually.

Also set for construction at the airport are two four-star hotels with top chain Best Western having secured the first tender.

“The grand plan to ensure that Kisumu Airport takes advantage of its new international status has started. We want this airport to take its place as the third busiest in Kenya and the East African hub,” said KAA acting managing director Yatich Kangugo at a media breakfast at the airport yesterday.

The airport’s three passenger lounges were initially meant to accommodate only 250,000 passengers.

Enough land

The airport also plans to build new apron stands which will accommodate three B737 and two B767 planes.

Mr Kangugo said that there was enough land for investors to set up a new hangar, banks and other commercial activities at the airport.

“We want to see new hangars for aircraft maintenance, new flying schools, banks and cargo companies setting up here,” said Mr Kangugo.

The move comes after an expanded 6,000 square metres terminal and more shoulders to accommodate bigger flights.

“The runway has been expanded by 300 meters to 3,300 metres to accommodate bigger aircraft and its width increased from 30 to 45 metres,” said Mr Fred Odawo, KAA’s Projects manager.

Mr Odawo, who led the team that designed the new-look airport, said that the planned expansion includes renovation of the old airport.

Runway renovated

“We will have the runway at the old airport renovated and the three new hangars will be set up there,” he said.

Kisumu Airport manager Joseph Okumu said that the completion of a yet-to-be commissioned fuel depot by Total Kenya will also increase the number of flights through the facility.