The renovation of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TTIA) is nearing completion and is estimated to conclude in June, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) reported at today's Cabinet meeting.
Renovating the terminal while it is still in use has been a long and complicated task—"the equivalent of tailoring a suit while you're wearing it," officials said—requiring different sections to be closed, reconstructed and reopened during different stages, and is susceptible to glitches.
Chen affirmed the efforts of the CAA, which has led the engineering of the project, and Taoyuan International Airport Corp., which has led the management, under the auspices of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. "I expect their efforts to improve terminal service and give passengers an excellent and comfortable transportation environment," he said. He also noted the renovation is just one part of the Taoyuan Aerotropolis project, so the work in Taoyuan is just beginning.
TTIA soared up Airports Council International's world airport rankings in the third quarter of 2012, all the way to 11th place from 36th, the premier noted. While TTIA ranked in the top 10 in 14 categories, it still has room for improvement, and "a move into the overall top 10 upon completion of the renovation would be an outstanding sign of international approval and would set an example for Taiwan's other airport companies," he added.
The terminal's surface area will have increased to about 13,000 square meters by the time work is finished, and its annual passenger volume from 12 million to 15 million, said the CAA.
Each renovated section of Terminal 1 has been opened upon completion. Ticket counters, baggage claim areas, restrooms and other facilities have been spruced up to make TTIA a world-class international gateway, giving passengers more pleasant arrivals and departures.