12.01.2013

 

One of the most significant commitments undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, when it comes to the development processes and improvement of general infrastructure, is modernizing the airport infrastructure. Realizing the necessity for modernization of the airports, the Government gave the two international airports “Alexander the Great” in Skopje, and “St. Paul the Apostle” in Ohrid under concession to the Turkish company “TAV”. According to the concession agreement, “TAV” was obliged to modernize the airports in Skopje and in Ohrid, thus increasing the quality of services and the interest of airline companies and decreasing the transport price.

With the investment amounting over 100 million euros from the concessionary company TAV, Macedonia today features two renovated and modernized airports in Skopje and Ohrid with the latest technological equipment, according to international standards.

The reconstructed “St. Paul the Apostle” airport in Ohrid became officially operational on April 10, 2011. Moreover, within the reconstruction of the airport in Ohrid, a new VIP building was constructed, the cargo center facilities were renovated, the parking space was reconstructed, a new purification center was built, and new fire fighting vehicles were procured, as well as technical equipment in accordance with the strict requirements for normal operation of air traffic.

The new “Alexander the Great” airport in Skopje was put into operation on September 6, 2011, making Macedonia the country with the most modern airport in the Balkans. During the reconstruction and modernization a new 40.000 square meter terminal building was built, with six passenger access bridges, 23 check- in points, parking for 1.300 vehicles, a new access road along with a new road node, the runway was extended by 500 meters to the south, cargo hangar with a capacity of 40.000 tons per year, a new fire fighting and rescue station for aircrafts, an 5.000 square meter office building, and a new utility infrastructure was built.

The new and modernized airports were built in accordance with the latest and modern global standards, and the “Alexander the Great” airport in Skopje has new equipment, thus assuring that this airport will operate in accordance with the latest international standards. All this enables substantially better conditions, commodity and space for the passengers, which in terms will provide a larger number of passengers, tourists and investments in Macedonia.

In cooperation with the concessionaire “TAV” airports, activities for attracting low cost airline companies are being realized, providing fast, cheap and high quality travel for Macedonian citizens to the European capitals.

The image that all passengers and tourists who arrive in Macedonia acquire is changing with the modernized airports.

The realization of another project provided a new image of the city traffic in the capital city of Skopje. It is about the renewal of the vehicle fleet with new busses, procured with funds from the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. In the vehicle fleet of the PTC “Skopje”, already, 80 new low floored and 69 double-deckers are trafficking, one of which is panoramic. Thus, the PTC “Skopje” has 149 new busses, which means that 50 percent of the vehicle fleet has been replaced, and in the following two years, the remaining busses from 202 in total will arrive, thereby completely renewing the vehicle fleet.

Towards the end of 2011, 16 new minibuses are expected to arrive.

The busses are produced in accordance with all current global leading technologies and contain external and internal notifying panels, air-conditioning, frames for the disable, as well as ecologic engines which bear reduced pollution and increased mileage.

The new double-decker busses featuring the looks the 60ties, but made in accordance with the cutting edge technology, are the key tourist attraction in Skopje, thereby, presenting the city with a whole new image.

By realizing this project and renewing the vehicle fleet of PTC “Skopje” with funds of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, quality, comfortable, faster and modern public city transportation has been provided to the citizens.