‘NAC is financially sound’

By Business Reporter

THE Namibia Airport Company says it is a self-sustaining public company which does not require Government financial bailouts thanks to its 2014 -2017 turnaround strategy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Walvis Bay International Airport Terminal Building last Friday, NAC board chairperson Ndeuhala Lewis revelled on the success of the NAC strategic document which was rolled out in 2014.
“I am delighted to report that our recent turnaround strategy has been successful in realigning the organisation towards safety and security and has created a solid foundation for expansion and growth. It is important to report to you, your Excellency that we fund our own operational budget and are not recipients of the much loathed bailout. In this sense … NAC is financially sound,” Lewis said to the gathering that included President Hage Geingob.
The facility at Walvis Bay International Airport was built at a cost of N$100 million and is complimented by other significant developments at the airport. “Complementary to the terminal building a new runway at this very airport was also completed to the tune of N$202 million and it’s constructed to meet the design requirements for Code 4F which can accommodate multiple wide bodied aircraft such as the Airbus 380. Walvis Bay Airport is also equipped with a modern state of the art Fire Station completed in 2011 at a cost of N$10 million. The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Category is currently at CAT 6 and is expected to move to a higher category in the near future in line with the anticipated increased category of aircraft movement at this airport.”
Lewis also highlighted that all airports under the auspices of NAC were military airports designed for military operations and had to be refurbished.
“These airports served us well when air traffic was low and the Namibian aviation industry was in its infancy. In order to cater for the 21st century aviation requirements, it was necessary to embark on a vigorous infrastructure development exercise to upgrade all our airports to international standards.”
NAC, Lewis said, redeveloped Ondangwa Airport and Walvis International Airport into modern airports capable of assuming international airport status. At Eros Airport, NAC has just commenced the redevelopment process with the recent completion of a state of the art fire station and have added a rescue and fire fighting vehicle as well as security screening.
Luderitz Airport, has a new fire station, refurbished the terminal building and a Polymer perimeter fencing similar to that of Walvis Bay Airport while Keetmanshoop Airport is earmarked for training and servicing of aircrafts.
Katima Mulilo Airport is being also undergoing redevelopment of the airport’s runway, taxiway and the apron areas, while Rundu Airport boasts a rehabilitated the terminal building and security screening and a rescue and fire fighting vehicle. Concept designs for a new terminal building and a new fire station were also completed.
On the flagship airport of Namibia, Lewis said, the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) runway has been rehabilitated and international standard water reticulation system has been installed for fire-fighting. HKIA also have four new rescue and fire fighting vehicles, airport security screening equipment and two apron buses to mention but a few.

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