newstodate.aero
Dec 06, 2010 (newstodate): Plans for developing Finland's Vaasa Airport into a new cargo hub are still on the table - but funding is still not secured.
-We handed in our application for a new air cargo apron in June 2009, it was notified in November 2009, and it has received very positive feedback among all decision makers and politicians. Everybody admits that this area needs improvements in air cargo and proper, modern operative conditions. But financing is very difficult to get these days when all of Europe is struggling with public economy, says Riitta Bjorkenheim, Vaasa Region Development Company ltd Development Manager, flight logistics.
-Our region has been lucky enough to obtain financing of some very important road improvements but not yet for the air cargo apron. Besides, we have a big rail improvement project in Finland that is a top priority to many and has been prioritized in financing decisions over other projects. We are waiting for next step or information any day.
-In spite of these unexpected delays in apron financing, we have continued with air cargo terminals, and the first terminal sketches are now ready. We have already approached some potential rental partners and will continue to do so until January 2011, together with Vaasa Parks ltd.
-Excavation work could start in May 2011, this requires 60 percent of rental contracts. At the moment we cannot promise any timetable for direct apron connection, but we can promise concrete step stones. And surely, terminal construction is a clear signal for all public financing, says Ms Bjorkenheim.
The Vaasa Region is home to Finland's most important industrial companies that exports 70 percent of their total production, corresponding to more than 12 percent of Finland's total technology export.
-We handed in our application for a new air cargo apron in June 2009, it was notified in November 2009, and it has received very positive feedback among all decision makers and politicians. Everybody admits that this area needs improvements in air cargo and proper, modern operative conditions. But financing is very difficult to get these days when all of Europe is struggling with public economy, says Riitta Bjorkenheim, Vaasa Region Development Company ltd Development Manager, flight logistics.
-Our region has been lucky enough to obtain financing of some very important road improvements but not yet for the air cargo apron. Besides, we have a big rail improvement project in Finland that is a top priority to many and has been prioritized in financing decisions over other projects. We are waiting for next step or information any day.
-In spite of these unexpected delays in apron financing, we have continued with air cargo terminals, and the first terminal sketches are now ready. We have already approached some potential rental partners and will continue to do so until January 2011, together with Vaasa Parks ltd.
-Excavation work could start in May 2011, this requires 60 percent of rental contracts. At the moment we cannot promise any timetable for direct apron connection, but we can promise concrete step stones. And surely, terminal construction is a clear signal for all public financing, says Ms Bjorkenheim.
The Vaasa Region is home to Finland's most important industrial companies that exports 70 percent of their total production, corresponding to more than 12 percent of Finland's total technology export.