Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski and TAV Airports Holding Operations Director Murat Ornekol signed Monday a certificate on realization of the concession agreement between the Turkish company and the Macedonian Government, thus transferring the management of country's airports in the next 20 years.

According to the concession agreement, TAV will invest EUR 200 million in the modernization and construction of Skopje airport "Alexander and Great" and Ohrid-based "St.Apostle Paul". Construction of a cargo airport is expected in Stip, but TAV has announced this should begin in 10 years, following the development of a meteorological study.

"This is a historic moment for Macedonia, because it marks the beginning of the investment in the modernization and improvement of aviation infrastructure", said Minister Janakieski at the ceremony held at airport "Alexander the Great".

He stressed the TAV investment would result in modern airports, operating in compliance with global standards.

TAV official Ornekol emphasized that the company, which cooperates with over 350 airlines, would try to attract them to operate at Macedonia's airports, adding the importance of making some of these companies a flag carrier, thus contributing to the increase in the number of flights from Macedonia.

"We have a hard task ahead of us and I believe that the project in Macedonia will be our ticket to EU's airspace and contribute to the country's development", added Ornekol.

He said the company has decided to use the services of domestic construction companies and staff in the realization of the agreement.

The Skopje airport will get a new terminal building, extended runway, parking lot, access road, navigation systems, communal infrastructure, refurbished administrative building, cargo terminal, fire-fighting station, airline parking and other equipment in line with international standards.

The Ohrid airport's parking and cargo facilities will be reconstructed, along with the construction of a VIP facility, cleansing station, overhaul of the administrative building, procurement of new patrolling and fire-fighting vehicles, as well as other equipment in compliance with international standards.

According to the concession agreement, TAV guarantees the airports' employees would keep their jobs in the next seven years.

TAV operates with airports in seven countries, annually serving 42 million passengers. Projections in Macedonia foresee annual coverage of five million passengers at the Skopje airport and 0,2 million at the one in Ohrid.

TAV and the Government concluded a concession agreement in September 2008, but the investment was delayed due to failure of the Turkish company to secure funds as a result of the global economic crisis.