newstodate.aero
Jun 06, 2018 (newstodate): While no sighting of a Loch Ness monster has so far been reported in Greenland, the sustained debate over the country's airport infrastructure fills the void.
Plans so far confirmed are that the runway at the capital airport at Nuuk will be extended to 1,800m, from today's 950m, and Ilulissat Airport will also have its runway extended to 1,800m from today's 845m, and a new airport will be constructed at Qaqortoq with a 1,200m runway.
With a new government coming in, the issue has however been reopened, and the discussion is also centering on the crucial issue of financing after a tender process.
A Chinese company has been shortlisted to participate in the tender for construction of the airports and fears are that this may compromise the regional security situation given China's known record of tempting financial solutions incurring long-term dependence and political pressures.
One of only two airports in Greenland currently capable of handling large aircraft, Kangerlussuaq Airport is not comprised by the country's plans for development of the airport infrastructure in Greenland, managed by Kalaallit Airport A/S.
To remain fully capable of handling long-haul traffic, the airport will need refurbishment of its infrastructure including runway repairs and other pertinent equipment.
Estimates of total renovation costs vary and go as high as 1.5 bio DKK - but are in any case incurring high investment requirements.
The eventual costs will in any case have an impact on the profitability of the investments in the new airports infrastructure package.
If Kangerlussuaq Airport can actually be maintained at a lower cost than earlier anticipated, the quest for new costly Atlantic airports in the country may lose steam..
Plans so far confirmed are that the runway at the capital airport at Nuuk will be extended to 1,800m, from today's 950m, and Ilulissat Airport will also have its runway extended to 1,800m from today's 845m, and a new airport will be constructed at Qaqortoq with a 1,200m runway.
With a new government coming in, the issue has however been reopened, and the discussion is also centering on the crucial issue of financing after a tender process.
A Chinese company has been shortlisted to participate in the tender for construction of the airports and fears are that this may compromise the regional security situation given China's known record of tempting financial solutions incurring long-term dependence and political pressures.
One of only two airports in Greenland currently capable of handling large aircraft, Kangerlussuaq Airport is not comprised by the country's plans for development of the airport infrastructure in Greenland, managed by Kalaallit Airport A/S.
To remain fully capable of handling long-haul traffic, the airport will need refurbishment of its infrastructure including runway repairs and other pertinent equipment.
Estimates of total renovation costs vary and go as high as 1.5 bio DKK - but are in any case incurring high investment requirements.
The eventual costs will in any case have an impact on the profitability of the investments in the new airports infrastructure package.
If Kangerlussuaq Airport can actually be maintained at a lower cost than earlier anticipated, the quest for new costly Atlantic airports in the country may lose steam..