By Kaleyesus Bekele
Hired by the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise, ADPI, a French consultancy firm, recently commenced study on the mega hub airport development project.
The Ethiopian Airports Enterprise is planning to build a new mega international airport out of the capital Addis Ababa. Dukem, Modjo and Teji towns are proposed for the construction of the new international airport. A decision has not yet been made. The enterprise is also expanding the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport passenger terminal at a cost of USD 250 million.
Last July the enterprise hired ADPI which is tasked to supervise the construction of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport passenger terminal and undertake a study on the new international airport. The second task includes conducting a study on the site location. The consultant will also undertake feasibility, technical, and financial studies as well as drafts airport master plan. The consultant is also tasked to study the integration of the new airport with the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
The Ethiopian Airports Enterprise has embarked on the construction of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport passenger terminal expansion work. A senior official at the enterprise told The Reporter that ADPI deployed two groups in Ethiopia. The first group is supervising the Bole expansion project while the second group is undertaking a study on the planned international airport.
The official said the second group recently commenced the study on the site location. "Based on their recommendation a decision will be made on the site for the construction of the mega hub," the official said.
The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) is also involved in the project. It is the authority that approves the site and inspects the new airport. The Chinese government has given a green light to confer loan for the construction of the mega hub.
Based on the recommendation of ADPI the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise will select the site. After the site is selected the detailed study will commence. Before commencing the detailed study the enterprise, and the Ministry of Transport will hold a launching ceremony in which they will officially unveil the multi-billion dollar project.
Industry experts believe that the mega hub project will help Ethiopia become a regional hub. It will also accommodate the fast growth of Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines has a strong vision of making Addis Ababa a major hub in Africa. Addis Ababa is already a major hub in East Africa. Its arch rival, Nairobi, is expanding the Jomo Kenyatta International airport at a cost of 650 million dollars.
Modjo is preferred for low altitude which will enhance the pay load of aircraft by improving fuel efficiency. The recently opened Addis-Adama Expressway is a plus for Modjo. But still the distance and the integration is one area of focus the consultant will work on.
Teji and Dukem are the other prospective areas for the new airport construction because of their proximity to Addis Ababa but their altitude is almost the same as Addis Ababa, which will not make aircraft fuel efficient during take offs.
Dukem is located 37 km east of Addis Ababa while Modjo is 66 km south east of Addis Ababa. Teji is a small town located 43 west of the capital. Addis Ababa's elevation is 2300 m above sea level and aircraft take a lot of fuel to take off Bole International Airport due to the high elevation. This entails a reduction on the amount of load an aircraft can lift. The high altitude also stresses aircraft engines. According to aviation experts, going down to Modjo in the rift valley will enable airlines especially Ethiopian Airlines to reduce fuel cost. Yet there are others factors to be considered to select the site.
The Ethiopian Airports Enterprise has asked the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for technical assistance on the site selection process and the later expressed its willingness to help.
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