The Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) is set to improve its operational capabilities with the introduction of a new multipurpose (M1) building designed to accommodate tenant ground handling, service equipment and cargo.

As the aviation industry continues to advance and progress, the need for modern infrastructure that supports both passenger and cargo transport has become increasingly important.

Airport Authority chairperson Taoro Brown said “there is demand and we need to provide the facility, to have something secure and intact for our tenants”.

Brown said the new MI construction at Rarotonga Airport was also future-proofed for tenant services expansion, as it caters for a first and second floor.

In addition, it will cater for tenant services, in particular the relocation of services prior to the construction of the Airport Terminal Expansion.

The towering “shell” building is located on the eastern side of the Air Rarotonga Hangar, measuring 41.2 metre in length, 27m in width, and a height from ground to the apex of 12.87m.

The estimated cost of the construction, funded by the Airport Authority and built by Landholdings Ltd, is between $2.5 million and $3 million.

Nikau Tangaroa, Airport Authority chief executive officer, says this new hangar will impact the airport’s operations and capacity in providing cover for ground handling services which will increase the longevity of the tenant assets.

It will also provide spaces for relocation of the tenant terminal services “readily available for future terminal expansion further alleviating congestion at the terminal”.

Tangaroa added that the new hangar building offered a strategic location and facilities tailored to meet the needs of diverse commercial tenants/businesses.

Cook Islands News understands that there are plans for an international airline to use this facility for air cargo and ground service equipment, eventually housing all of its functions, including a sales department, before the terminal expansion.

Once the shell building is completed, the tenant will be responsible for carrying out and paying for their internal fittings to align with their business operations.

The construction is expected to be completed at the end of next month.