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EBRD loan to assist FYR Macedonia in upgrading air navigation system
The air navigation system of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will be upgraded with the help of a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The US$ 14.05 million (ECU 12.2 million equivalent) loan will allow FYR Macedonia to install new radar and other air navigation equipment and to provide comprehensive air navigation services to commercial aircraft flying in the country's airspace.
Ron Freeman, First Vice President of the EBRD, said: "This project constitutes an urgent first step in re-establishing normal air transport services in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It is vital to the economy of the country, which is land-locked and so highly dependent on a safe air transport system. The EBRD loan will also have a broad regional impact by reducing air traffic congestion and improving safety".
The loan will finance the supply and installation of air navigation and instrument landing equipment, including a primary surveillance radar, data-processing systems, communication facilities and meteorological instrumentation. It will also finance training for air traffic controllers, maintenance technicians, meteorological officers and aviation information services staff, as well as consulting services to help make the air navigation service a more commercial operation.
The total cost of the project is US$ 17.4 million, of which the EBRD is financing 80 per cent. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will meet the local costs of US$ 3.1 million, and the US Trade and Development Agency is expected to provide US$ 250,000 for air traffic controller training and project implementation assistance.
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