Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has geared up to run test flights on the new runway developed at Velana International Airport (VIA). The runway development project was concluded this week. Currently, minor works are underway to prepare the runway for test flights, according to MACL.
It will take just 2-3 minutes to clear the runway, after the new runway comes into operation, Managing Director of MACL Adil Moosa said speaking to PSM News. Moreover, test flights will land on the new runway in September, Adil Moosa said, adding commercial operations will begin three months after the test runs.
Highlighting a special navigation system is installed on the runway, Adil Moosa said the system will enable pilots to land without any interruptions during bad weather. The new runway will ease and speed up the operation of VIA, noted Adil Moosa.
The new 3,400 metre long and 65 metre wide runway was developed as part of the 1-billion US dollar mega expansion project of VIA. The new runway can accommodate the largest aircraft in operation.