1 March 2001 -- The responsibility for management of the airport in East Timor's capital was transferred today from United Nations peacekeepers to civilian contractors, according to the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).

Private contractors from Portugal took over from the Royal Australian Air Force, which has been responsible for air operations at Comoro Airport in Dili since the arrival of INTERFET peacekeepers in September 1999, the UN mission said. A ceremony tomorrow will formally mark the transfer.

The Chief of Support Operations of the UN peacekeeping force, Colonel Ian Hughes, said the hand-over of responsibility from the forces to civilian companies was a good example of the territory's progress towards nationhood. "The management of Comoro Airport and its airspace by commercial firms, rather than by a military organization, brings East Timor into line with other nations," he said.

The 104 airmen and women from the Australian air force have been responsible for air traffic control, fire-fighting, communications, security, baggage and cargo handling, and aero medical evacuation. They will return home later this month.

During the 18 months that the Australian force has controlled operations at Comoro Airport, they have handled 17,000 flights, 7,000,000 lbs of cargo, and moved 200,000 passengers. The force's re-deployment will reduce Australia's military commitment in East Timor to 1,500 peacekeepers - still the largest contribution by any nation, UNTAET said.

 

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Not an official document of the United Nations. Maintained by the Peace and Security Section of the Department of Public Information in cooperation with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. (c) United Nations 2001