Posted on 01/22/2010 4:48:32 PM PST by SandRat
BASRAH – The 34th Infantry Division, United States Division - South, returned part of the Basrah International Airport taxiway to Iraqi control, Jan. 18, allowing large commercial airliners to use the airport in the future. The airport was first occupied by the British in 2003. Since then, large portions of the facility have been returned to Iraqi control, such as the airport hotel, which once housed the British headquarters. The Iraqi Air Force's 70th Squadron also calls a part of the airport property home.
Contingency Operating Base Basrah, the main U.S. base in the area and headquarters for USD-S, occupies the remaining areas of the airport property not under Iraqi control. Those areas are receiving makeovers in an effort to bring the airport up to standard.
"This transfer is a significant step that will enable the airport to be considered in the future for international certification," said the Cedar Falls, Iowa, native Col. Ronald Albrecht, deputy chief of staff for the 34th ID. "With international certification comes the possibility of more commercial passenger and cargo flights into southern Iraq."
The port on the Persian Gulf allows for sea traffic, but an international airport will turn Basrah into Iraq's commerce gateway, he said.
"The airport is not facing any more problems which could affect the takeoff or landing of civil aircraft," said Abdul Amir, the general manager of BIA.
He and the Iraqi government are ready to continue renovations and improvements to regain their international certification.
"This investment is a true sign of our commitment to a long term friendship with the people of Iraq," Albrecht said.
BTTT
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