Several projects to improve the operations of the El Salvador International Airport will start next year, totalling an investment of $40 million.
Following recommendations by the Civil Aviation Organization, the first step will be the modernization of systems and infrastructure improvements followed by a second stage of expansion works.
The proposed works include resurfacing the runway and complementary roads, valued at $22 million, and the modernization of the radar control center, valued at $2.5 million.
The process is expected to cost more than the $8 million required to certify AIES airport.
On December 2009, AIES international airport was certified as compliant with international security standards. This enticed CEPA, the airport administration authority, to start the certification process for another international airport: Ilopango.
"Based on the experience of certifying AIES, CEPA and AAC (Air Travel Authority) agree that certifying Ilopango will require more money and time", reported Laprensagrafica.com. "Certifying AIES under international standards required 5 years and $8 million".
AIES, the International Airport of El Salvador, earned the certification of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
It is the first Central American airport to receive this certification; the airports of Panama and Nicaragua are currently in the process of getting it.
"No airport in the world operates without a permit, but this certification will boost AIES, as ICAO communicates which airports comply with its standards.