The Malta International Airport’s (MIA) Board of Directors has approved an investment amounting to around €40 million in the construction of a new apron.
This project, dubbed Apron X, will equip the airport with the aerodrome infrastructure needed to handle future growth and is set to take up an area of around 100,000 square metres.
“At this critical juncture, we have the responsibility to start taking long-term decisions, even if they may appear to be at odds with the current aviation environment, that will determine the future of the local tourism industry,” MIA CEO Alan Borg said.
“Today’s approval of the Apron X investment is MIA’s strongest statement yet about its confidence in the industry’s ability to recover to pre-pandemic levels, as well as its potential to grow further and achieve new records,” Mr Borg continued.
The Apron X project will include the construction of a new taxiway set to improve accessibility to the new apron, and the development of a staging area in a strategic location, housing facilities for essential ground handling operations.
This investment is envisaged to support MIA in honouring its environmental commitments through the construction of a 10,000 cubic metre reservoir for better rainwater harvesting and the installation of LED floodlighting systems.
The project will also provide for preparatory works for the electrification of parking stands, in line with Article 12 of the European Union’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ‘Fit for 55’. This will provide parked aircrafts with access to an electricity supply rather than fuel.
Works on the project are expected to commence in the coming weeks, once the Planning Authority issues a permit for the development.
MIA is eyeing the start of summer 2024 for the completion and utilisation of the first parking stands, whilst the full project is expected to be concluded in 2026.
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