Sorong`s Domine Eduard Osok Airport to Get More Upgrades in 2016

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The runway at Sorong's Domine Eduard Osok Airport (DEO) in West Papua is due to get an upgrade - with its length expected to be extended to 2,500 metres from its' current 2,060 metre, which will allow larger, narrow-bodied twin jets to land in the airport.

The Head of Domine Eduard Osok Airport's, Paryono, said in Sorong on Wednesday that preliminary works have already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. "Once the runway is 2,500 metres long, larger twin jets such as the Boeing 737-900 could land - which will increase passenger capacity, and drive down ticket prices to the benefit of lower-to-middle class passengers," he said.

Paryono said that he is committed to improve Sorong Airport's facility to ensure that it is at least, on par with other airports in more developed, Western parts of Indonesia. He added that the new terminal at DEO is already operational to help improve connectivity in the region - despite the fact that it has yet to be inaugurated by President Joko Widodo.

The old terminal, continued Paryono, will be demolished to make way for passenger drop-off and parking by mid-January.

DEO airport's departure and arrival terminal is touted to be the largest and most expansive airport structure across existing airports in Papua and West Papua.

ANTARA