Ana Cunha requested ANA Aeroportos the proper assessment to define the terms for the expansion and upgrading of Horta Airport
Ana Cunha spoke Thursday in Lisbon at the end of a meeting with members of the Board of Directors of ANA/Vinci. On the occasion, she pointed out that it is necessary to “perceive how the company regards this investment, seeing that it is of paramount importance to the safety and quality of service provided by the company in this infrastructure."
In statements to journalists, the Secretary for Transports stated that she requested "an analysis on the progress of the development of the project as well as the assurance that a proper assessment and a study to define the terms of this investment will be will be jointly carried out by the entities assigned by the National Government: ANAC (National Civil Aviation Authority) and LNEC (National Civil Engineering Laboratory)."
For the Regional Secretary, “this assessment must be ensured in conjunction with the other entities designated by the National Government” so that “the specific terms of this investment can be defined."
Regarding the construction of the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) in Horta Airport, Ana Cunha stressed that this is an “irrevocable and indispensable investment that arises from the concession agreement and the legislation currently in force."
“Prior to the works, ANAC and LNEC will carry out an assessment with the involvement of ANA, as we expect. Nonetheless, the investment in RESA areas maintains its initial schedule and ANA has ensured us that it falls within its investment plan, so there will not be any change in this aspect,” stated the government official.
In addition to this process, the Regional Secretary noted that other "investments for all regional airports managed by ANA are already included in its Investment Plan for the 2018-2022 period."
There are some works planned for Horta Airport, besides the installation of RESA areas, such as “the upgrading of the runway pavement, HBS security and the fence network. The interventions also include the redevelopment of the terminal building, paving works, the installation of a drop ceiling and the remodelling of light signs."
Ana Cunha also highlighted other planned investments, namely in Ponta Delgada Airport, which involves an intervention in the roof's building.