2016-10-06
An Ambrolauri airport runway with a 110-meter strip length and 30-meter strip width as well as a capacity to accommodate 19-seat type L 410 aircraft was constructed in a record-breaking 10 months.
The Prime Minister of Georgia opened the new runway designed in accordance with the modern standards. Giorgi Kvirikashvili was a passenger of the first aircraft that landed on the runway strip today.
Starting point of the new stage of Racha-Lechkhumi development, - with these words Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili commented on opening of the runway strip and congratulated local community on this day.
"Today is very special for me. A month ago, when I visited the farmers of "Blauenstein" this place was a clear field. Today an airdrome is located here. It creates completely new possibilities for this region and its residents by introducing new flights enabling tourists to visit Racha and return to the capital city in less than one hour throughout the whole year ," - the Prime Minister noted. He also indicated that this is a major event in the lives of local residents and is very important for the tourism development.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, many tourists are to visit the region in the near future; infrastructure will develop, new family-style hotels will be established and winter resorts will be created. These all was not feasible prior to construction of the new airdrome.
The Prime Minister also stated that construction of a completely new passenger terminal will be finalized by the end of the year. Hence, entirely operational highland airdrome meeting the international standards will be created in Ambrolauri.
"This is just the first step. We have major plans as regards to the development of resorts, including Shovi and Utsera areas. A road will be constructed, since airport only will not be enough for the region. Gomi-Sachkhere-Racha highway will be built by all means. In my mind, these are not sheer promises, but completely rounded plans. Hence, I would like to congratulate you on this day. Stage of major development of Racha-Lechkhumi region begins. Alongside with this airdrome, we plan to construct new landing fields in Omalo; similar kind of touristic airdrome in Akhalkalaki, Zugdidi and many other regions. This airdrome symbolizes beginning of a new stage of spatial development not only in Racha-Lechkhumi, but across whole Georgia as well," - the Prime Minister noted.
The head of the Government thanked people who had been looking forward to that day, those, who managed to work 24-hour a day throughout 1 month to complete the construction of the airdrome in the shortest term possible; as well as "Black Sea Group" who performed a quality service in a short-period of time.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also thanked the United Airports and its mmanager - Ketevan Aleksidze; Civil Aviation Agency - Guram Jalaghonia as well as Sakaeronavigatsia Ltd - Gocga Mezvrishvili.
Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to the Governor of the Region Parmen Margvelidze who takes care of the region on a daily basis and the first Vice Prime Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili, without everyday management of whom it would have been impossible to finalize this project.
"This will be a new stage on the path of creating welfare for each of the residents of this region," - Prime Minister addressed the attendees of the event.
Prime Minister initiated the idea of constructing the airport in Ambrolauri. He made respective announcement on August 16. The construction of runway strip was finalized in a record-breaking short period of time.
125 persons were employed in the construction process, whereas 75 of them were the local residents.
Ambrolauri Airport will be equipped with modern technologies and special vehicles. Over 30 persons will be employed. Investment cost of the project is over 10 million GEL.
Keeping in mind the regional touristic potential, the idea of extending the runway line is being discussed to enable the airdrome to accommodate 50-seat aircrafts.
Construction of regional airports is a part of the largest component of the Government's four-point reform plan - spatial planning.
Prime Minister's Press Office