BIAL CEO gives progress report on airport project

BIAL CEO gives progress report on airport project
Deccan Herald

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) Chief Executive Officer Albert Brunner on Friday called on Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa to update him on the progress of the upcoming airport in Devanahalli.

Mr Brunner, accompanied by Mr Stephen Widrig, Chief Commercial Officer — BIAL, spoke to the Deputy Chief Minister for nearly 20 minutes on the various aspects of the project.

During the interaction, Mr Yediyurappa assured full support from the Government to complete the airport as per schedule. With regard to the BIAL’s expansion plans in accordance with the projected increase in air traffic, the Deputy CM said he would consult with Chief Minister H D Kumaaraswamy and ensure a prompt response to the demand.

He also urged Mr Brunner to keep traffic requirements for the next 50 years in mind and to complete the project ahead of the Hyderabad International Airport, also scheduled for a 2008 opening.

New Chairman

The Deputy CM said the appointment of a new Chairman for BIAL was high on the Government agenda and a decision in this regard will be taken soon, after consultation with the Chief Minister.

The BIAL Chairman’s post has been lying vacant ever since Infosys Chairman and Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy stepped down.

After the meeting, Mr Brunner told Deccan Herald that during the interaction, the Deputy CM was briefed on the status of work at the airport site and details of the contract. “We’ve requested for his support all through the project. The response from the Deputy Chief Minister was very positive,” he said.

Mr Brunner said work on the site was on course, but added that it was “too early” to discuss technicalities of the project. “We have a board meeting scheduled next week, where all the matters will be discussed,” he said.

“It was a courtesy call since the BIAL representatives had not yet got a chance to meet the Deputy CM. The expansion potential of the project was discussed and factual updates were also presented,” said Mr Vinay Kumar, Principal Secretary to Government, Infrastructure Development Department, who was also present during the meeting.