Ahead of its inauguration during the last quarter of 2021, the works of the new Palmerola International Airport already present a progress of more than 75%, as reported from the administration, within the framework of a visit made last week by senior government officials from Honduras.
«With the start of operations of the Palmerola International Airport, it will be possible to benefit Hondurans by offering them much cheaper air tickets and this contributes to boosting the economy, generating more jobs and development for the country. This year we will begin operations with this historic project» Lenir Pérez, President of Palmerola International Airport, said in a statement.
The facilities are located 6 kilometers south of the city of Comayagua, and are part of the José Enrique Soto Cano Air Base, headquarters of the United States Joint Task Force-Bravo.
The new passenger terminal has a covered area of almost 40,000 square meters on three levels and has 13 boarding gates (7 with sleeves and 6 for remote positions), 40 check-in counters, 17 self-check-in stations, 34 immigration checkpoints and 45 commercial shops.
The commercial platform has an area of 35,192 square meters, being able to handle 13 aircraft simultaneously.
A key objective of the project is to develop the cargo operation, which is why a 3,000 square meter cargo terminal is built with cold chain technology.
The airport master plan also contemplates the development of an «airport city with multiple complimentary services.
The project, which involves an investment of more than USD 200 million, is carried out by the German-Honduran consortium EMCO-Flughafen München, also operator of the Toncontín airport, which serves Tegucigalpa, and whose international operations will be transferred to Palmerola.
During their visit, the authorities were able to observe the development of the installation of metal dome ceilings, air conditioners, plasterboard ceilings and the electrical network, among other complementary works such as the control tower, fire station and the water treatment plant.
Among the officials who attended the tour of the airport were Luis Mata, head of the Ministry of Promotion and Investments; Roberto Ordóñez, head of the Ministry of Energy; Roberto Pineda, Minister of Insep (Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Services); Leo Castellón, President of the SAPP (Superintendency of Public-Private Alliance); Marco Midence, Minister of Finance; General Tito Moreno, Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Honduran Armed Forces; Wilfredo Lobo, Director of the Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency (AHAC); and Juan José Vides, Executive Director of the Customs Administration of Honduras, among others.
«The great progress made by the airport is notorious. This project is of immense importance for the growth of the country, because it opens the doors to the world to reach Honduras through a modern and first-rate airport» said Luis Mata, Minister of Promotion and Investments.
Saben ya algunas de las lineas aéreas interesadas en operar en PIA? Si los de MUC están involucrados, imagino que Lufthansa hara algo.