President Ilham Aliyev has attended a ceremony to commission a new runway at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, reviewed the progress of reconstruction of the existing airport terminal and construction of a new terminal.

The passenger terminal of the airport was commissioned in Azerbaijan in 1933.

The airport terminal meeting international standards was commissioned thanks to the efforts of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev in 1999. The runways and taxiways at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport have been rebuilt, air traffic control systems upgraded, radio navigation and meteorological equipment renewed and other activities carried out in recent years. In 2003, Azerbaijan’s commercial aviation entered a period of rapid development. An airport meeting international standards was commissioned in Nakhchivan in 2004. This was followed by the opening of airports in Ganja, Zagatala, Lankaran and Gabala.

The fleet of airplanes and helicopters has been renewed in order to bring passenger and cargo carriage into line with modern standards. There are plans to purchase the latest aircraft in the coming two years.

The President examined a stand reflecting the master plan of the reconstruction, the new runway, taxiways and the apron of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

The President of the “Azerbaijan Airlines” Closed Joint Stock Company, Jahangir Asgarov, told President Aliyev that according to a presidential instruction, reconstruction of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport had commended in April 2011. The newly-built runway is capable of accommodating the heaviest and most sophisticated aircraft.

It was indicated that the new runway is 4,000 meters long, 75 meters wide and covers an area of 325,500 square meters. The taxiways are 3,800 long and 60 meters wide. The apron, which meets the highest standards, covers an area of 309,000 square meters. In order to protect the area from rain and ground waters, an open rainwater canal and drainage collectors, including a pressured water line and three pump stations, have been built.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the runway.

The President congratulated the staff of the project owner, the “Azerbaijan Airlines” Closed Joint Stock Company, and of “Azvirt” LLC, which carried out the reconstruction.

The President examined the new runway. The examination was continued in a vehicle.

After reviewing the new runway, President Ilham Aliyev was informed about progress of reconstruction at the existing building of the airport terminal.

It was indicated that in accordance with the President’s instruction, the façade of the existing terminal building has been renovated and reconstructed. Currently in the final stages of reconstruction, the building has acquired a more modern appearance.

It was also mentioned that the baggage claim area for the incoming flights is fitted with the latest equipment. The customs area of the airport terminal has also been reconstructed. The floors and ceilings of the terminal have been completely renewed. All the work has been carried out with high quality and good taste, enabling passengers maximum comfort. Service areas have been expanded and technically modernized. An original and modern lighting system has been installed. The visa and passport registration department has also acquired a more modern appearance.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed about the advantages of the new equipment for filling out electronic customs declarations. It was noted that baggage processing has been modernized and brought into line with contemporary standards.

Using the maps of Azerbaijan and Baku posted in the customs area, passengers will obtain information about travel opportunities, hotels, underground stations, airports and other questions of interest. New electronic displays have been installed and the number of exits doubled.

Waiting areas have been substantially expanded, the number of services increased and their quality improved. In general, both Southern and Northern terminals of the airport have been completely rebuilt and comprehensive measures taken to improve the quality of passenger and cargo carriage.

When examining the construction of the new terminal, the President was informed that it was progressing on schedule and in line with the latest innovations. The Heydar Aliyev International Airport will be one of a handful of airports in the world in terms of project design and the application of the latest innovations.

It was mentioned that the new four-storey terminal covering an area of 58,000 square meters will be intended for international flights. The existing terminal will serve domestic flights after reconstruction. After being commissioned, the new airport will be able to process 3 million passengers a year.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that in addition to the construction of the new terminal, the surrounding area of 63,000 square meters will be completely rebuilt. Besides, a new air traffic control tower, a fire safety building, an energy center and other structures are currently under construction. Underground and above-ground communications are being replaced.

After reviewing the progress of reconstruction, the President gave relevant instructions and recommendations.