The Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda stands as one of Angola's main infrastructure projects. The new airport was built by China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation (CAIEC). The complex includes a passenger terminal, flight operations area and cargo zone, with an estimated annual capacity of 15 million passengers and 130,000 tonnes of goods. The airport has now completed the transfer of all international flights.

Maria Paredes, Executive Director of Engineering and Infrastructure at ICB-URBE, the company responsible for the operation and development of the new airport, said that the infrastructure is considered essential for strengthening the country's air capacity and supporting the expansion of domestic, regional and intercontinental routes. According to Paredes, the project aims to position Angola as a regional aviation and logistics hub, also contributing to the diversification of the national economy.

The General Director of CAIEC's Angolan subsidiary, Jiang Shan, explained that the construction mainly followed Chinese standards, adapted to local and European standards through the integration of technical solutions that enabled efficient co-ordination between different systems.

For Paredes, in an aviation sector marked by strong international openness, the technical systems of different countries are compatible, and the combination of Chinese experience with international standards constitutes a solid foundation for the project. Jiang Shan also noted that Chinese companies have contributed their experience and innovation capacity, factors considered fundamental to the construction.

(Source: Xinhua Português, on 6 May)