Solwezi airport runway is expanding to allow more and bigger planes such as the 737s, which should enhance freight and general travel. The runway will be longer from 1.3km to around 2.7km. It has also been widened from 20m to 36m. The airport investment is being funded wholly by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) to the tune of US$8m. And to protect its investment FQM has started fencing off the perimeter of the entire airport area. Given the wider investments taking place in the area, it should not come as surprise if this becomes the first properly owned private international airport in the future. 5 – 10 years from now, if not sooner! Much depends on demand and the extent to which it would justify investment in associated road and terminal infrastructure. But FQM has the money!
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
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My name is Dave B. Mwila, I currently reside in the Uniyed Kingdom. I am glad to hear about the expansion of Solwezi airport. I worked at solwezi Airport from 1974 to 1977 after which I was posted to Chipata Airport. It has taken such a long time to upgrade Solwezi Airport. This id a sign of very slow development in the entire country. However, my reason for writing this small article, to share my pride of thos moment for the people of Solwezi. This simply means a few more jobs. At the time I worked at Solwezi airport, a gentleman called Mike Hook was the officer in charge, and me and another officer called Lameck Ngoma, assisted him in the day to day running of the small airport then. I am proud that this moment has come. Job well done to the government and the department of civil aviation to have recommended such benefical upgrade for the peole of Solwezi. Long live Solwezi Airport.
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