Operating the Tbilisi Airport, TAV Airport broke the ground for the new terminal of Tbilisi Airport in a ceremony attended by the Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The Prime Minister presented to TAV Airports President & CEO Mr. Sani Şener the State Medal of Distinguished Service for his contributions to the country.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitri Kumsishvili, Turkish Ambassador to Georgia Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, TAV Airports President & CEO Sani Şener, TAV Georgia General Manager Mete Erkal, bureaucrats, journalists and TAV employees. Planned to be completed at the end of 2017, the new terminal will be able to provide service to approximately 4 million passengers per year.
TAV Airports President & CEO Sani Şener stated: “Tbilisi Airport has a special meaning to us, as it was TAV's first investment abroad. We have been operating Tbilisi and Batumi airports since 2005 and 2007, respectively. Until now, we have invested over $100 mln in Georgia. Following the transfer of the operations, we have created a significant synergy. Turkish Airlines increased the number of flights performed to Tbilisi from 3 to 32 per week. Pegasus and AtlasGlobal airlines started to launch flights to Tbilisi. We strive to contribute to carry the historical relationship between the two countries to a further level. We believe that we are a true representative of our country. I am honored to be awarded by the Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili with the State Medal of Distinguished Service. I am receiving that award on behalf of hard-working and persevering employees of TAV. With the motivation of this medal, we will continue to endeavor toward strengthening the collaboration and good relations between Turkey and Georgia."
Operating Tbilisi and Batumi airports, TAV Georgia welcomed 2,066,000 passengers in 2015 with an increase of 16 percent. The company employs approximately 800 people.
The new terminal will have 12,000 sqm indoor area. The project also includes rehabilitation of runway and taxiways and construction of a new aircraft parking area for five aircraft. The renovated runway covers a total area of 135,000 sqm planned to be put into service on July 11th. The total area of taxiways amounts to 73,600 sqm.
Tbilisi Airport was awarded the Best Airport of Eastern Europe at 'Skytrax World Airport Awards' held in 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.
TAV has the right to operate Tbilisi and Batumi airports until 2027.
