NIGERIA: DynCorp International Will Build and Operate West Africa's Most Advanced Private Airport
The private military company and provider of aviation services worldwide is designing and building a $300 million airport facility to "meet the rapidly-growing needs of West and Central Africa." The company will equip and operate maintenance, repair and
DynCorp International, a major provider of aviation services worldwide, is designing and building the most modern and comprehensive airport facility in West Africa.
The new airport in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, will be one of the first privately funded and operated airports in Africa and will use the latest in technology and design to meet the rapidly-growing needs of West and Central Africa.
The Akwa Ibom International Airport will be a private commercial venture with facilities to handle wide-body aircraft, regional air cargo, and major aircraft repair and maintenance. The construction project is a public-private partnership between DynCorp International and Akwa Ibom state. DynCorp International signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2004 with His Excellency, Victor Attah, the executive governor of Akwa Ibom state.
The project represents a strategic investment to meet increasing demands for aviation services in the region. Oil-industry activities in the Gulf of Guinea--spurred by recent discoveries of major oil and natural gas reserves--are expected to create substantial demand for air cargo capacity.
Sub-Saharan Africa has long needed a major maintenance capability. African Airlines currently conduct maintenance operations in Europe and the United States, as well as at some South African and Ethiopian facilities. The new airport, which will be a major regional air-cargo hub, will provide African airlines with cost-effective alternatives for both regular fleet maintenance and major maintenance (C & D checks).
DynCorp International will carry out the project in two phases based on demand-driven expansion that provides appropriate airport facilities when required.
Phase One, to be operational by December 2006, includes a 4,200-meter runway, taxiways, an air-traffic control tower, apron areas for aircraft parking, an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, a control tower, an air-rescue and fire- fighting facility and all required support infrastructure. The MRO will accommodate two 747-400 aircraft, and will be used for full-service aircraft maintenance, including engines.
Phase Two, to be completed in December 2007, includes the cargo facility, a terminal building with passenger-loading bridges, an aircraft maintenance and repair hanger, an air cargo facility, a free-export processing facility, and a 300-room hotel.
The total cost of the project will be more than $300 million. Akwa Ibom state is carrying 30 percent of the capital costs, and DynCorp International will equip and operate the MRO and air-cargo facilities. Major road-network reconstruction to support the airport -- including dual carriageways to neighboring states -- is currently under way and financed by Akwa Ibom state.
DynCorp International is a leading professional services and project management firm with global expertise in aviation services, logistics, and security operations. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, DynCorp International employs 14,500 people in some 40 countries. It traces its beginnings to the founding of Dynalectron Corporation in 1946, and in 2004 had revenues of nearly $2 billion.
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