Trial of aerobridges begins at Tiruchi airport

They will eliminate need to operate passenger coaches


TIRUCHI: Trials have begun on two aerobridges at the new terminal building of the Tiruchi airport.

The aerobridges, each costing about Rs.3 crore, are among the prominent features of the new terminal building, which became operational a few months back. The imported aerobridges, with glass tunnels along their corridor, can be used for all types of aircraft except small ones currently operating from Tiruchi.

“The trial run, which is part of the site acceptance test, will be completed by Saturday. They will be commissioned before the end of this month after safety audit,” S. Dharmaraj, Airport Controller, told The Hindu.

The installation of the aerobridges would do away with the need for airlines to operate passenger coaches inside the airport. It would also help quick entry and exit of passengers.

Apart from the aerobridges, three conveyer belts would also to be installed at the terminal shortly. The equipment had arrived and the installation was expected to be completed within a month.

Currently, a conveyer belt for passenger baggage from the old airport terminal had been relocated for use at the new terminal. Once the equipment was installed, almost all works relating to the new terminal building would be complete.

Mr. Dharmaraj disclosed that visitors’ entry into the new terminal building would be allowed, on payment of entry fee, after the current security restriction in view of the Independence Day was lifted. (The visitors’ gallery at the old terminal has also been closed on security grounds).

New control tower

The airport was likely to get a new technical block-cum-control tower and the project was in the planning stages with the Airports Authority of India, sources said.