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History.

The history of Chelyabinsk Airport dates back to 1938. The airport acquired its modern look in the middle of the previous century, when the air terminal (1955) and artificial runway (1965) were built to service TU-104 jet planes. In 1994, it was officially designated an international airport. Regular flights connected Chelyabinsk with countries in Europe, the Near East and Central Asia. In the late 1990s, a new international air terminal and a runway able to service all types of aircrafts were put into commission. The airport of Chelyabinsk is gradually turning into a major regional air junction, working in compliance with all international standards.

Today.

In the past few years, the artificial surface of the runway and the adjoining tarmac have been renovated. The departure terminal has been updated and new registration and luggage processing systems have been put into place. The luggage examination zone has been equipped with new X-ray TV introscopes. The Airport of Chelyabinsk was the first in the Ural Federal District to provide Wi-Fi access. New auto-technical equipment has been purchased: an auto-lift, tarmac buses, a fire truck, an deicing system, a water-refilling vehicle and a snow plow.

Future.

A majority of the airport’s renovation will be carried out between 2008 and 2016. The project includes renovation of the existing air terminal and hotel, as well as the construction of a new hotel, passenger terminal, cargo terminal, hangar for private/business aircraft, and a logistics center. Additionally, the airfield (specifically, the taxiways) will be renovated. The basic remodeling phase has already been concluded at the facility. There is a plan to create separate access roads to the domestic departure terminal, the international departure terminal and the access lounge. Total investment in the Airport of Chelyabinsk will be $400 million. As a result of the reconstruction, passenger traffic is expected to grow by 300%. At present, the airport serves 680,000 passengers a year; upon completion of the project, it will serve up to 2 million people every year.

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