Tirana International Airport committed to environment

TIRANA, Jan. 23 – Monitoring shows that airport noise levels are in compliance with European law, according to a two-day monitoring of noise levels there. Airport published its first Environmental and Social Bulletin saying that air and groundwater quality met required standards. Noise levels at Tirana International Airport (TIA) are in compliance with European law, said the conclusion of a two-day monitoring of noise levels at the airport. In accordance with the airport’s environmental permit and Albania’s environmental legislation, the concessionaire company conducted the measurements, on 4 and 5 January 2007. The analysis encompassed the different types of aircraft operating at TIA and the current daily number of movements. The maximum noise levels recorded at both ends of the runway ranged from 62 to 92 dB (A), depending on the type of aircraft, with a daily average of less than 60 dB (A). The noise monitoring was carried out with the support of the environmental experts of Hamburg Airport from Germany. “We are acutely aware of environmental and social issues for inhabitants of the areas around the airport. Our company is putting all of its efforts into contributing towards better living conditions for the residents of the areas near to where we operate through respecting the environment and initiating important development projects,” said TIA SHPK’s top manager Constantin von Alvensleben. Tirana International Airport has also published its first Environmental and Social Bulletin. This bulletin informs the public about TIA’s activities concerning implementation of its environmental management plan and illustrates the performance of the company in the area of health and environment protection, from the commencement of the works at the airport. The Environmental and Social Bulletin will be published annually, in both Albanian and English. On 4 April 2006, von Alvensleben and another manager Rolf Castro-Vasquez signed an Environment, Health and Safety Policy, which is binding for the company. The aim of this policy is to ensure high standards in environmental protection and health and safety performance. In autumn 2005, TIA conducted an analysis of air and groundwater quality at the airport, including the new terminal construction site. The analysis found that the standards are being fully respected and that both air and groundwater quality was good. Meanwhile, a strict policy is being followed in relation to waste management. An Albanian company has been contracted to collect and remove airport waste to an approved disposal site.
Since 23 April 2005 the overall responsibilities for development, operation and management of Tirana International Airport lies with Tirana International Airport SHPK (TIA), an Albanian company under German-American ownership. Shareholders are HOCHTIEF AirPort, DEG Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft and the Albanian-American Enterprise Fund. Backed by the shareholders’ know-how regarding airport management and financing, Tirana International Airport has set itself the aim of expanding the airport and setting new standards in comfort and service. More than EUR 50 million will be invested during 2007. Construction works for a new passenger terminal, a new cargo terminal and a new access road are well underway.