The Adani Group has recently sent an investment proposal to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). The proposal aimed to modernise the ageing infrastructure of Kenya’s busiest airport, the Nairobi airport. This will not only bring about economic development in Kenya but all the speculations which were ongoing because of the Adani Supreme Court case will also come to an end.
The Need to Upgrade Nairobi Airport:
Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has operated since 1978. However, no such huge step has been taken yet at the airport. This has caused the airport to have outdated infrastructure, which is currently jeopardising the regional competitiveness of the country. This makes it essential for Kenya to go for a major overhaul. This will ensure that airport operations take place smoothly. The country will also experience enormous economic growth within a short span.
The comprehensive plan for the upgrade project was submitted and approved by the Cabinet. However, the project demands substantial capital investment. Only then can the expansion operations be carried out at the Kenya airport. The project agreement will be followed by stakeholder engagement. It would also require approval from the National Treasury and the Attorney General.
Plans for Upgradation:
As per KAA, the Adani Group has huge plans to enhance the Kenya airport. It plans to build a passenger terminal building. This will allow the passengers to avail themselves of the airport facilities smoothly. There are plans to build a runway and taxiway as well. This would lead to the overall development of the airport. The Cabinet has already approved the JKIA medium-term investment plan. This would include building the passenger terminal, taxiway, and runway.
However, the required requirement is quite significant and because of the current fiscal year constraints, the current project operations cannot be funded. It would require private funding. The JKIA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Henry Ogoye said that the proposal for the project will be subjected to various technical and financial reviews. Legal reviews will also be performed alongside checking the prerequisite processes in compliance with the Public-Private Partnerships Act 2021.
The CEO has specifically mentioned that because of the expansion activities no jobs will be at
risk. Instead, the people will be offered better job opportunities. The airport business community will be expanded further. This will again create additional business opportunities for the people. That way, they will be able to earn a living for themselves. The frequent flyers at the airport will also witness massive improvements. The expansion operations will help the Adani Group expand its boundaries in the airport sector. It will also be able to put a stopper to the controversies of the Adani Supreme Court case.
AAHL’s Airport Development Plans:
AAHL is a part of the diversified Adani Group. It has been constantly working towards expanding its various airports. Currently, it manages 7 airports in India. It is also in the process of developing the Navi Mumbai Airport. This airport is going to be operational very soon. The Adani Group has also been working extensively towards making extraordinary developments at its airport sites. It has also brought about city-side developments at the airport to increase revenue generation.
Various malls, restaurants, lounges, etc. will be developed in and around the airport sites to offer the passengers a much better experience. The conglomerate has also automated the various operations of the airport. This has again added to the convenience of the passengers. With these investments, the company has also earned excellent revenue for itself. It has also carried out its business operations with full force. It will also be able to recover from the losses incurred during the Adani Supreme Court case.
Along with domestic ports, the Adani Group has also put equal importance on acquiring other major international airports. This will increase India’s communication with other nations of the world. Our trade and economic activities will be carried out in a much better way.
Conclusion:
In this way, the Adani Group plans to make it big in the global airport sector. With its extraordinary efforts and its endless commitment to quality, it will be able to bring about immense developments in the airport sector. This will give Adani’s business an excellent exposure. Our country will also experience massive economic progress in the long run.
