:
Oleh Dian Thenniarti, Kamis, 28 April 2016 | 09:47 WIB - Redaktur: Penni Patmawati Rusman - 512
Jakarta, InfoPublik – Indonesian Airport Company PT. Angkasa Pura II conducted groundbreaking for the development of Silangit Airport of North Tapanuli, on Tuesday (4/26).
The groundbreaking marked the start of the construction of the nearest airport to Lake Toba tourism resort. It was conducted by North Tapanuli Regent Nikson Nababan and President Director of PT Angkasa Pura II Budi Karya Sumadi.
President Director of PT Angkasa Pura II Budi Karya Sumadi said the company has allocated Rp 119 billion for the construction of passenger terminal and runway.
"Construction of the terminal will be completed in the next six months with various facilities and infrastructures to support the convening of the Lake Toba Festival in November," he said.
In order to improve services to users of airport services, Silangit Airport passenger terminal will be developed to accommodate 1 million passengers per year. Meanwhile, the runway will be extended to 2,600 x 45 m2 to accommodate the operation of Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircrafts.
Coincided with the groundbreaking, Sriwijaya Air launched its inaugural daily fight service Jakarta - Silangit using Boeing 737-500 with a capacity of 120 passengers with a configuration of 18 executive class seats and 112 economy class seats.
The company fully supports the development of connectivity in the western region of Indonesia, such as the launching of Sriwijaya Air’s Jakarta-Silangit daily flight route which is in line with government's program to promote tourism in the country.
“Silangit Airport development enables us to accommodate larger jets which will make fares more affordable, so it will attract foreign and domestic tourists to visit Lake Toba, avowed by the government as the Monaco of Asia," added Budi Karya Sumadi. (Translator : Erik Limantara)