LIEGE AIRPORT EXTENDS RUNWAY

[LOG: Liège, June 9]
The Managing Director of Liege Airport has confirmed the decision to extend the main runway by 413 meters to a total length of 3,700 meters. The work on this extension began at the end of March 2008 and will occupy a total of 2 years. The said additional 413 meters will make possible the full charge takeoff of large aircraft bound for very distant destinations. According to conservative estimates, the extension of the runway will enable Liege Airport to increase its air traffic by 20%. This decision will also lead to an increase in employment, since over 1000 additional jobs will be created on the site of Liege Airport.

“This represents a major stage of the development of Liege Airport”, said MD Luc Partoune. “The extension of the runway is now being transformed into reality, which will make it possible for us to meet the short-term needs, but most importantly, the long-term needs of our customers. On the one hand, the extension will enable Liege Airport to strengthen its position among the European Top 10 and on the other hand, to increase its large aircraft traffic”, he added.

From a technical point of view, the work of construction will be sub-divided into three phases:

1. Extension of the runway (duration: 2 years)
- Laying of railway tracks (duration 1 year)
- Re-routing and template layout of the federal road
- Runway earthworks
- Construction of the storm water discharge basin needed for the evacuation of water
- Construction of runway infrastructures and traffic roadways.

2. Drainage (duration: 2 years)
This phase is made obligatory in the building permit and has the object of carrying out the drainage of rainwater from the northern part of the runway. Work will begin in June 2008.

3. Re-routing of the pipeline (duration: 1 month)
The re-routing of the pipeline (scheduled for the beginning of July) is closely linked to the work of extension of the runway and more particularly to the construction of a railway tunnel. Commissioning is scheduled for 2010, following the completion of the installation of navigation lighting and of the work of finishing.
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