RAWALPINDI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will soon be installing new radars at airports of the country and a contract in this regard is expected to be signed shortly.

This was announced by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General retired Air Marshal Mohammad Yousaf while talking to officers and staff at the Airport on Saturday.

Know more: CAA promises foolproof security

He said at present the airports had 22-year-old radar system.

Plans to renovate old terminals, construct new ones and recover dues

The CAA DG said the provision of navigational facilities to airlines was a major source of foreign exchange for the authority.

“New auto runway sweepers will be purchased soon to replace the older ones. Billions of rupees are being spent on purchase of latest security equipment including scanning machines, hand scanners and close circuit cameras,” he said.

He announced that new security equipment would be functional at the new Multan Airport this year.

He also said that the extension of the terminal building at Quetta Airport would be completed within one year and a new runway worth Rs3 Billion was in the process of being completed.

Talking about the planned projects for the improvement of Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad, the Director General said that new runways would soon be constructed at the Islamabad Airport to deal with increasing air traffic.

He also briefed the staff about other ongoing projects at Benazir Bhutto International Airport including construction of taxiway, extension of the international departure lounge which will be completed at the end of this year.

A new car park for employees has been planned at Benazir Bhutto International Airport which is likely to decrease the number of vehicles in the main parking lot of the airport. The main parking lot is also under renovation.

He said that the CAA had recently recovered billions of rupees of outstanding dues from different airlines improving its financial health.

“The CAA Board of Directors, in a recent meeting, approved pay packages and bonuses for CAA employees. Service regulations were also approved under which the employees will be promoted when due and senior staff members will get financial benefits according to the length of service and seniority,” he explained.

He directed every staff member to take a proactive approach and to extend all possible assistance and guidance to incoming and outgoing passengers at airports. “Our staff should be known for their courtesy,” he said.

Raja Mohammad Asif, President CBA Union of employees, thanked the CAA chief for the substantial raise in salary and approval of bonuses.

He promised the management of full cooperation on behalf of the CAA employees. “This kind of interaction between the higher management and employees is beneficial for smooth and efficient airport operation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2014