The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Desilú León, pointed out that the delay in the inauguration of the new Jorge Chávez International Airport would not affect tourism in the country.
The head of Mincetur supported the decision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications to extend the inauguration of the terminal to the end of March.
According to the minister, this will allow the security of the facility and operations to be guaranteed.
“We promptly consider the decision made by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in coordination with the concessionaire so that the new Airport City is truly in the required conditions, with all the tests carried out and with all the services available.”, he said in an interview with the Andina News Agency.
He also said that this decision was made in coordination with the port operators, so the services of the tourism sector will not be affected.
New Jorge Chávez airport will begin operating on March 30
The Government, in coordination with Lima Airport Partners (LAP) and addressing the needs of the aeronautical community (airlines, service operators, among others); decided to reschedule the start of operations of the new Jorge Chávez International Airport for this March 30 to prioritize safety, regularity and operational efficiency, aligning with the safety standards of international civil aviation.
This was announced by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Raúl Pérez Reyes, after meeting with all representatives of the aeronautical community: LAP, the Association of International Air Transport Companies (AETAI), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Supervisory Body for Investment in Transport Infrastructure for Public Use (Ositran), the Urban Transport Authority (ATU), among other actors.
“For the Government, it is a priority to guarantee the safety, efficiency and regularity of air operations, in accordance with the highest safety standards of civil aviation. In that sense, we have agreed to establish a period of 60 days of testing on the air side and the land side, to ensure a start of operations with safety and quality for users,” Minister Pérez Reyes explained during the meeting.
Evidence
In this additional period, he explained, comprehensive operational tests will be carried out, identify areas of improvement, make the necessary corrections and ensure that the operational personnel of the concessionaire, the airlines and the specialized services (catering, transportation, security, among others) are fully trained. and familiar with the new terminal flow.
“Starting operations at an airport is a complex process. Therefore, the opening strategy will be carefully coordinated between LAP, the MTC DGAC and the airport community. Next week, in coordination with the concessionaire and all the actors involved, it will be decided whether the start of operations of the new airport will be carried out in phases or in a comprehensive manner,” stressed the head of the MTC.
The general manager of LAP, Juan José Salmón, participated in the meeting; the general manager of AETAI, Carlos Gutiérrez; the country manager of IATA, Martín La Rosa, the president of Ositran, Verónica Zambrano; and the president of the ATU, David Hernández, as well as representatives of the entire aeronautical community.
“This change will allow us to move forward with the start-up and whitewash process, so that we are all ready for the start of operations at the new airport. Articulated work will be key in these last weeks and the joint commitment of the sector will guarantee a better experience for all airport users,” highlighted the general manager of LAP.
