“Šiauliai has an exceptional strategic object – an airport with the longest runway in the Baltic States. Wider operation of this airport and modernisation of its infrastructure will increase the region’s attractiveness for investments and will also create new opportunities to further expand and develop industrial areas and make use of integrated air, road and railway transport solutions,” said Minister Skuodis.
One of the main advantages of Šiauliai Airport – its practically unlimited capabilities to receive and service any type of aircraft, develop aircraft maintenance and freight transport activities. In 2020, Šiauliai Airport serviced 63 aircrafts: 1 cargo aircraft, 49 civil aircrafts and 13 military aircrafts, as well as 354 passengers and 39 tonnes of cargo.
Civil aircraft flights in Šiauliai Airport are organised by the municipal company Šiaulių Oro Uostas, which has recently been implementing ambitious infrastructure development projects. The Ministry of Transport and Communications has allocated nearly EUR 5 mln. for these projects to be implemented by 2024. In order to improve the economic infrastructure, it is planned to construct around 3 km of railway sidings to the industrial zone in Šiauliai.
In view of the importance of Šiauliai Airport to the Free Economic Zone and Industrial Park near the city, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, together with the local government, plans to implement modernisation and development projects of Šiauliai Airport infrastructure. According to the Minister, this will ensure the highest level of flight security, compliance to environmental requirements and will also increase the possibilities for the company in charge of operating the airport to attract new investments, create new high-qualification and well-paid jobs.
M. Skuodis states that during the preparation of the long-term Lithuanian air transport development strategy Aviation Development Guidelines 2030, the improvement plans of Šiauliai Airport could become part of the development strategy of these guidelines and the country’s aviation.
While Minister Skuodis was visiting Šiauliai, he and Mayor of the City of Šiauliai Artūras Visockas also discussed the region’s road financing reform, public transport renewal and sustainable mobility solutions in Šiauliai. During the working visit, the Minister also met the members of Šiauliai Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts.
