New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS): The government of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday signed the concession agreement with representatives of Zurich Airport International to commence the development of the Noida International Airport at Jewar.

The concession agreement was signed by Arun Vir Singh, CEO, Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) and Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport, said an official statement. The concession agreement grants Zurich Airport International the licence to design, build and operate Noida International Airport for a period of 40 years.

Noida International Airport will be developed as a Public Private Partnership (PPP). NIA will operate as a fully digital airport, providing a safe and contactless travel experience and customised commercial offerings for passengers, said the statement, adding that it will be the first net zero emissions airport in its class, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation.

S.P. Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh said: "Infrastructure development will be key to economic recovery, not only in the state but also for the country. The construction of Noida International Airport will support economic growth through job creation in the state, while making it the most preferred destination for domestic as well as global investors in the upcoming years."

"We look forward to supporting the Zurich Airport International team to jumpstart this mega project,which will reinforce the economic progress of the state of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Daniel Bircher, Chief Executive Officer, Zurich Airport International (Asia) said: "The signing of the concession agreement marks an important milestone in the development of the Noida International Airport. When phase 1 development is completed in 2024, we will provide capacity for 12 m (million) passengers per year."

Arun Vir Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) noted that the upcoming "world-class" airport will not only connect western UP region with other domestic and international destinations, but also provide additional capacity to Delhi-NCR region.

"Together, we look forward to building India's leading airport which boasts of quality, efficiency, technology and sustainability. We are very excited to begin work as we move ahead with a vision to co-create a world-class facility," the NIAL CEO said.

Last November, Zurich Airport International AG (ZAIA) won the contract to build and operate the airport in Greater Noida for a period of 40 years. ZAIA received the security clearance from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to develop the airport at Jewar in May this year.