Chinchero International Airport, to be built in Southern Cusco region, is set to provide a major economic boost to the area, thus contributing to enhancing the life quality of local population.
"Large-scale projects such as this international airport help improve the life quality of locals. I foresee major changes in the district, mainly in the urban area," district Mayor Gualberto Sallo told Andina news agency.
Likewise, the government official referred to articulated efforts made towards Chinchero's development.
"We want to congratulate the Housing Ministry on its readiness to boost Chinchero's urban-rural development plan. The National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN) is also involved in this initiative," he said.
On the other hand, he addressed projects initiated by the local government to upgrade Chinchero's infrastructure, so the district is ready to receive the large mass of tourists expected to land at the airport.
"We have been working on the Chinchero - Arco Tica Tica alternate route. This road not only connects three districts, but also three main provinces: Urubamba, Anta and Cusco," he explained.
Lastly, the mayor praised the government's political will to bring the venture forward, which remained halted for 40 years.
Last Friday, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski led the first stone laying ceremony marking the start of the corresponding construction to be completed in 2021.
Features
The air terminal is set to bring numerous benefits, starting with flights for tourists visiting the Imperial City. Following are some of the airport's characteristics.
One of the terminal's main features is its size: 40,000 square meters of modern, landscape-friendly facilities.
In addition to large commercial airplanes —of up to 320 passengers— Cusco's new airport will be able to receive cargo aircrafts thanks to its ample runway, 4 km long and 45 m wide, thus contributing to Andean exports.
Likewise, the terminal will boost traveler flow, receiving close to 6 million passengers a year, a major increase over the 2.5 million currently passing by Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport.
Facilities will include 11 boarding gates and 13 jetways.
Airport construction and operation is set to generate over 2,500 jobs, and the venture is expected to yield US$63 billion over its 35-year concession.
Construction works are to be completed in 2021.
(END) DHT/MVB