Above: Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Photo: GINA)

The government of Guyana has announced the approval of a $138 million agreement with the state-owned China Harbour Engineering Company for the design and construction of an expansion at Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

The project, which was first announced a few months ago, will include the extension of the airport’s runway to a total of 10,800 to accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 747, along with a new terminal building and eight boarding bridges.

The deal also includes updated equipment like three-dimensional x-ray scanners and new security monitoring systems.

China Harbour was established in 2005 after a merger between China Harbour Engineering Group and China Road and Bridge Corporation.

It has branches in 20 countries, including work in the Bahamas, Cayman and Jamaica, the latter of which is the site of its Caribbean head office.