OREANDA-NEWS. April 7, 2011. With a view to correcting a number of inaccurate messages and reports recently circulated by the media, concerning the renovation works on Vnukovo's RWY1 and the intersection of RWY1 and RWY2, the Vnukovo International Press Service herewith advises as follows:

November 2009 saw the completion of the renovation effort on the Airport's 3060 meter-long RWY2, with the ICAO Cat.II-enabling navaid and lighting equipment installed. Furthermore, in 2010 Messrs. Ingeocom - the general contractors - completed the renovation of a part of Vnukovo's ramp and apron comprising 114 thousand square meters.

As part of the project and at about the same time, Messrs. Ingeocom were also supposed to complete the construction of two all-new taxi strips, TWY18, and TWY20, to expedite AC taxiing toward one of RW2's thresholds, enabling takeoffs and landings with the heading of 14 degrees. These works have not been completed, however, since both TWY18 and TWY20 happen to be located in the vicinity of the live runway intersection. As of April 15, 2011, all the flight operations at Vnukovo International will be conducted using the temporarily curtailed RWY2's currently available 2030 meter-long operating section. The Airport's RWY1 will be closed for renovation, thus enabling Messrs. Ingeocom to complete the construction of TWY18 and TWY20 as part of their outstanding contractual obligations.

We also wish to remind all concerned that as per the RF Minister of Transport, Igor Levitin's express instructions given during an on-location review meeting held at Vnukovo Intl. on March 11, 2011, the renovation works involving the runway intersection are to be completed within 72 days of their commencement, and those on the Airport's RWY1 - sometime in 2012.

The above deadlines will without a doubt be complied with, in no way affecting the quality of the works as such, with the applicable legislation and regulations currently in force, roundly adhered to all along.