Chinese-built Airport Inaugurated in Angola

AVIC International Engineering Company, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) of China, successfully inaugurated Dr. Neto International Airport in Luanda, Angola, on November 10.

The opening ceremony, hosted by the Angolan Ministry of Transport, saw the attendance of Angolan President Lourenco, who officially launched the airport's cargo operations.

Expressing gratitude to all contributors, President Lourenco credited the Aviation Industry Corporation of China for completing the airport. Located 40 kilometers southeast of Luanda, Dr. Neto International Airport stands as a pivotal collaborative project in aviation infrastructure between China and Angola. It represents the largest single-phase construction project by a Chinese enterprise abroad. The airport, designed to handle 15 million passengers and 130,000 tons of cargo annually, aims to become a transportation hub in southwest Africa.

Angola's Minister of Transport highlighted that the airport, once fully operational, will serve as the country's primary gateway to the world. Additionally, it is expected to stimulate air transport market growth in Africa, benefiting around 415 million people in southern Africa.

AVIC International Engineering Company signed the EPC contract in February 2017. Throughout the construction, over 5,000 Chinese and 20,000 Angolan employees contributed to the project, emphasizing the principle of local personnel and promoting the use of local materials.

The airport project is the result of long standing engagement between China and Angola including economic and defense procurement projects.