Termed world’s best, CAA plans big

As the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) enters the 30th year of its existence, the body has been named among the world’s best aviation authorities. Speaking to Pakistan Today, CAA Media Coordinator Ismail Khoso said that a team of Universal Oversight Safety Audit programme completed the safety audit of CAA this year, they have confirmed that the regulatory body as one of the best in the world and its procedure of documentation is not only according to the prescribed international standards but some of its reforms can be termed as an example for other countries as well. “The CAA has strengthened its safety and security oversight role as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements and standards and enhanced regulatory and air space management capabilities,” he said. “Emphasis is also being given on commercialisation of CAA assets and land with improved customer/passenger service standards, benchmarked with top performing international airports.”
Khoso said all kinds of civil aviation-related activities are performed by CAA including the regulatory, air traffic services, airport management, infrastructure and commercial development at the airports etc. Moreover, a plan of infrastructure development (airports and airport cities) on a fast-track basis is under way with an emphasis on private sector participation. This plan includes:
Benazir Bhutto International Airport: It will be a state-of-the-art airport capable of handling A-380 operations with modular facilities for both domestic and international passengers. Annual cargo handling capacities will gradually grow from 6.5 million passengers and 100,00 metric tonnes cargo to 25 million passengers and 150,000 metric tons cargo, at par with international standards and shall serve as a major hub for all aviation activities in the region.
Multan International Airport: Presently, only B-737 and ATR 500 aircrafts operate from the airport. The airport is almost landlocked in the East and South surrounded by structure habitations with inadequate facilities of terminal building. The CAA has therefore planned upgrading the existing infrastructure at the airport for B-747/B-777 operation on modern lines to support the 21st century aircraft technology and to meet operational requirements for next 15 to 20 years.
New Gwadar International Airport: The government has approved the setting up of “New Gwadar International Airport” in Balochistan through the Public Sector Development Programme with a grant of $17.5 million from the Sultanate of Oman. A land measuring 4,300 acres along the Coastal Highway has been acquired and handed over to CAA in May, 2008. Earlier, the PC-1 amounting to Rs 7.67 billion along with the master plan was approved by Executive Committee of the National Economic Council.