Antiquated lighting equipment may be closed down, so impacting on operations and the current runway overhaul programme (281 words)

Published: 10/29/2001

Vladikavkaz Airport in Ossetia in southern Russia is continuing to overhaul its runway, as part of $650,000 programme due to be completed by mid-2002. While the airport has operated throughout the project, its management continues to be concerned over the condition of the airport's lighting that is in need of complete replacement, after 20 years of operation have exceeded its expected lifetime by eight years. This has prompted a visit by a GSGA team, planned for 8th November, to evaluate the condition of the lighting and to decide whether the use of the equipment should be extended for six-eight months or simply closed down, with a direct impact on the airport's operations. According to reports, the replacement of the system would cost in the region of $1m and it is unclear if funding is available, although it is expected that the money could come from the 2002 Federal budget and the Ministry of Finance of Ossetia is reported to be in negotiation with the Federal authorities. The airport had two Yak-40s recently overhauled and plans to lease them to a Moscow-based airline. A helicopter, recently overhauled, has been on lease in Turkey, where it was used in fire fighting efforts. The airport says that the sale of the two helicopters for $0.5m to Nepalese operator Gorka Airlines financed the overhaul of the Yak-40s. It added, however, that the helicopters, then on lease to Gorka, had to be sold after one was damaged in a crash and the Nepalese refused to finance the aircraft's return to Ossetia by cargo aircraft.

Article ID: 2863