Palanga Airport launches modernisation construction project

During the modernisation of Palanga Airport, an LED signal system will be installed; runway, taxiway and platform surfaces will be renovated; upgrades to utilities; energy-efficient and sustainable solutions, as well as systems of platform illumination, collection and purification of surface waste waters will further be installed.

Head of Operations and Infrastructure Department at Lithuanian Airports, Dainius Čiuplys, said: “Infrastructure of an airport is cyclical, and its depreciated parts must be modernised every 10 to 15 years to meet aviation safety and environmental requirements. Palanga Airport was last modernised in 2007.

“A renovated runway and taxiway will ensure safer movement of airplanes and will also save fuel consumption. During reconstruction, collection and purification of surface waste waters will also be improved, meanwhile the installed LED signal system will reduce costs of consumed electricity of the whole airport.”

“Modernisation of the infrastructure of Palanga Airport, according to the newest international standards, will give an opportunity to ensure safe airport operation and faster servicing of airplanes. It will also improve the environmental situation and contribute to creation of additional value in the whole Region of West Lithuania,” added Čiuplys.

Previous experience with other airport modernisation projects

The Latvian company, “A.C.B.”, publicly won the procurement of modernisation of Palanga Airport, which was announced in autumn 2020. Previously, the company agreed to perform all works for €136 million, with VAT excluded; however, the larger part of this project is financed using funds from the state budget. The government has adopted its decision to allocate €10.25 million to modernise Palanga Airport, these investments were approved by the European Commission. The remaining part, €3.35 million, is financed using the Nordic Investment Bank loan for Lithuanian airports.

Executive Director of “A.C.B.” group, Armands Svikis, said: “The company has similar experience in modernising the runway at Vilnius Airport in 2017, therefore, the contractor is ready to take on challenges to modernise Palanga Airport.

“We will implement the most active stage of this project within the shortest possible period. Therefore, our work will take place continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Modernisation of Palanga Airport is planned in a way that it will not harm the environment, communities and will ensure a friendly environment for its neighbors. The plan for environmental effects is specifically prepared for this project, with foreseen necessary measures to reduce noise and dust: banks of earth, regular coverage of bulk materials with water and others.”