Airport Expansion Plan Eyes BIMP-EAGA
By Asri Razak and Shareen Han

Bandar Seri Begawan - The number of passenger arrivals at Brunei International Airport this year can triple the number of the country's population, because until September alone, 1,030,575 passengers have arrived at the airport.

The number was 9.7 per cent higher than last year's figure where 923,350 people arrived at the airport in the first nine months.

In a bid to accommodate the influx of the passengers, the airport is undergoing an extensive expansion of its facilities and services.

The airport expansion is a must, because airports play a vital role in giving air passengers and tourists good "first impressions" which reflect the quality and standard of services provided by Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Abu Bakar Haji Apong, the Minister of Communications pointed out yesterday.

Speaking at the launching of Civil Aviation Department's Customers' Day at the Brunei International Airport, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Abu Bakar Apong said that the airline industry has the potential in contributing to the nation's economy. The international airport has the responsibility to ensure an efficient, safe and organised handling of passengers, cargo, airplanes and related services.

The minister cited efficient human resources, technological systems and a clean environment are crucial factors that need to be accounted for in the delivery of quality services.

The minister also called on the private sector to assist the government in developing physical infrastructure as well as providing commercial services. All sectors relevant to, the transportation and tourism sector, including taxis and tour guides must provide services that are of high quality," he said.

Meanwhile, Pg Abdul Rahman PSI Pg Ismail, director of Civil Aviation Department said the airport envisions to become the air hub for BIMP-EAGA, the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines - East Asean Growth Area, through future' developments. In achieving the vision of the airport through a 25 year Master Plan, the governments planning an extensive upgrade of existing airport infrastructure said the director.

In addition, the airport will expand the passenger terminal building to accommodate the increase of passenger traffic. The masterplan will be conducted in two phases, the first phase in 2008 and the second phase by 2020 until 2031.

The Civil Aviation Customers' Day saw the Minister of Communications launching new uniforms for private sector businesses operating at the airport as well as the presentation of prizes and certificates to outstanding workers at counter services.

The annual customers' day, themed `Priority on Courtesy, Care, Efficiency and Customer's Safety' is aimed at changing the mindset of public services to become more customer-oriented, thereby delivering reliable and efficient services. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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