A $5.4 million deal is set to bring local area networks, Wi-Fi, internet protocol television (TV) and closed circuit television (CCTV) technology to Zambia’s international airport in Livingstone.

Zambia's National Airports Corporation Limited has signed the multi-million dollar deal with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), a global specialist in air transport communications and information technology.

The deal is aimed at modernising network infrastructure and security management solution at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International airport in Livingstone.

By the end of the project, Harry Maanga Nkumbula is expected to become an ‘intelligent airport’, say officials.

The deal is also planned to help the National Airports Corporation management to share real-time information with all airport stakeholders, improve operational efficiency and facilitate improved services.

SITA has also provided the airport with new electronic flight information display systems throughout the airport and a new public address system to keep passengers well informed before their journeys.

National Airports Corporation airport services director Prince Chintimbwe said Zambia’s tourism industry is experiencing a year-on-year growth of 10% and that airports are therefore critical in providing a good first impression.

“SITA has been instrumental in helping build and integrate new airport operations solutions, with a focus on improving customer service,” Chintimbwe said.

He said the project is part of the National Airports Corporation’s airport infrastructure development master plan,which covers four of the country’s airports. H

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula is the first to be upgraded and is expected to be completed by early 2014.