Airport to be modernized with EU funding

An integral part of the ongoing development of Ostrava's airport is its technical equipment In the period 2007 - 2013 the airport plans to access EU funding for the acquisition of new technologies in order to meet the latest requirements for air traffic safety and the quality of services while handling increasing numbers of passengers, aircraft and cargo. The first project - currently at the implementation stage - is named 'Machinery and Equipment I', and is co-financed by the Regional Operational Programme NUTS II Moravia-Silesia.

Investments within this project are exclusively safety- and security-related. Around 75% of outgoings involve fire safety and rescue equipment; the remainder is targeted at increasing passenger and site security (X-ray scanners, thermocameras etc.). As part of the project, the airport has purchased aircraft recovery equipment, a high-pressure compressor, an oil spill liquidation vehicle and a hydraulic telescopic platform. The total eligible costs within the project are planned at CZK 74,968,000. The Regional Operational Programme NUTS II Moravia-Silesia is covering 92.5% of the costs, with the remainder covered by the airport management company. The project is scheduled for completion in May 2010.