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An agreement has been signed between Guyana and China for expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana, which will begin in early 2013.

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The state-run Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that Guyana government approved a design and construction contract with China Harbour Engineering Company for the project.

The expansion project at the airport includes an extension of the airport runway to a total of 10,800 feet to accommodate large transatlantic aircraft such as the Boeing 747, construction of a new terminal building, acquisition of eight boarding bridges, and installation of other latest equipment such as elevators, escalators, and x-ray scanners using three-dimensional technology along with flight information and security monitoring systems.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has received loan approval of $130 million for its expansion. Concessional loan will be provided by the Chinese EXIM Bank. Construction work is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2013.