INFRASTRUCTURE AIRPORT REVAMP New Caledonia’s international airport, Tontouta, is undergoing a major upgrade at an estimated cost of €80.8 million (61% financed by the New Caledonia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which runs the airport; 15% by the French Government; and 24% by the New Caledonia Government). The redevelopment is in response to anticipated future demand as well as increased traffic to date: in 2007, more than 440,000 passengers transited through the airport, an increase of 21% over 2000. Passenger numbers have doubled since the terminal was built 20 years ago, mainly through local demand, but visitors will also appreciate the new facilities. The revamp, a key element in New Caledonia’s economic development, will double the size of the airport to 21,700 square metres—2480 of which will be allocated to businesses and services. The new airport will be able to handle up to four aircraft simultaneously. It incorporates a new building to house freight activity as well as increased car parking and covered extendable gangways to enhance passenger comfort. The project is progressing well, with the new departure area and freight section expected to be ready by the end of 2010. All this is good news for Aircalin, New Caledonia’s international carrier, which flies to 10 international destinations including Australia and France, the latter via Japan or South Korea. ‘The airport is the first and last impression a visitor has of a country, and the new-look Tontouta will combine efficiency with an attractive Melanesian-inspired design,’ says CEO Jean-Michel Masson. Aircalin resisted the temptation to downsize its schedule during the global downturn, and is working on commercial agreements with other airlines to provide connections to more than 100 destinations.
GOOD ROADS New Caledonia’s roads are statistically no safer than the rest of the South Pacific region, despite the fact that the 5622 km network is almost entirely sealed and generally well-maintained.
POWER STATION
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Enercal, generator of most of New Caledonia’s electricity, is the main partner in a project to construct a 100-megawatt coal-fired power station at Prony, close to the new Goro nickel-processing plant in the south of the main Grand Terre Island. Prony Energies is expected to provide up to 70% of Goro’s total power requirements.
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New jetties and berths are being constructed as part of a major upgrade of New Caledonia’s main port of Noumea.