Pelita: Warukin airport operational cost Rp9 billion

Tanjung, South Kalimantan 11/5 (AntaranewsKalsel) - PT Pelita Air Service estimated the operational cost of Warukin Airport in Tabalong to reach Rp9 billion covering air, land, and personnel costs.

According to Vice President of PT Pelita Air Service Ardian Aditya, the cost is not fully borned by the Pertamina's subsidiary but is shared with the Government of Tabalong as airport operator.

"We will discuss further about the proposed airport operational fund and PT Pelita Air Service may only bear the operational costs of the land and air side," said Ardian.

In the 2017 budget proposal, air side operational costs Rp1, 17 billion and land side Rp3, 62 billion, while personnel costs reached Rp3,49 billion.

Furthermore, from the improvement plan, then in June 2017 to be carried out hardening, roughness and flatness tests of the runway with the target of airport operation in August 2017.

Currently terminal building at Warukin Airport is being renovated, while preparing of runway repair and other facilities. The runway repair along the 1,000 meters with a width of 30 meters and overlay 1400 meters x 30 meters.

Head of Tabalong Transportation Agency Nanang Mulkani said Warukin Airport has a special airport certificate that can serve the general interest from the Directorate General of Air Transportation Ministry of Transportation since December 2015.

"If Warukin Airport operates, passenger potential is not only from Tabalong, but also from five neighboring districts," said Nanang.