Novosibirsk International Airport, Tolmachevo, has put into operation the first area of its intermodal freight terminal of 6,000 sq.m. The company plans to start building the second part in 2008.

The total area of the terminal will be 11,178 sq.m., its turnover of goods is estimated at 50,000 tons per year and the total cost will come to $10m, a spokesperson for the airport confirmed.

The construction of the freight terminal is only the first step in the Novosibirsk region’s epic investment plan to soon bring about at the Tolmachevo base and international air transport hub. Besides the freight terminal outlined in the plans, a passenger terminal, a logistics centre and hotels are all scheduled to be constructed.

The total sum for the venture will be more than $815m, and it is planned to be finished within 9 years.