Swiss holding set to modernise airport from north Moldova city

Chisinau, 22 December /MOLDPRES/ - A Swiss holding is willing to modernise a project in Moldova, under which the Balti-based airport is to be modernised. A representative of the holding, Iurie Gheorghita, made a statement to this effect today.  

"The Swiss company considers possibility to extent its business in Moldova. Experts say the infrastructure must be built from scratch. Estimative calculations reach a minimal sum of 30 million euros - expenses the holding is ready to bear," Iurie Gheorghita said. 

The company's members have already submitted a letter of intent to the Balti city hall, as well as the Moldovan government, thereby asking for giving the airport into concession for a 49-year period.

"Yesterday, we submitted a letter of intent to the Balti city hall. We expect an answer on behalf of the government too. If the project is accepted, then according to the legislation, an international tender is to be initiated on giving the airport into concession for a period of 49 years. Subsequently, in three years at the most, the airport will be modernised. Therefore, over 200 jobs will be created," Gheorghita said.  

The Balti airport is placed 15 km far from the city's centre and has an area of 144 ha. It is the second largest airport in Moldova. The airport is opened for carrying passengers and cargo. Yet, it is used, in most cases, for domestic flights and occasional external ones.

(Reporter A. Plitoc, editor A. Raileanu)