The control tower of this Tarn aerodrome is going to change a lot, here’s why

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It is a public market that went somewhat unnoticed in the heart of summer 2024. The City ofAlbi (Tarn) launched a call for tenders for “construction works” reconstruction of the airfield control tower from Albi-The Sequester.

What exactly is it? Was the control tower in danger of collapsing? Was the airfield going to regain its former vocation as an airport, from the time when a regular commercial airline linked the Tarn prefecture to Paris-Orly?

Built over half a century ago

The market was divided into several lots: exterior carpentry, roofing, framework, electricity… Implying a major project. It will be. But parachute jumping enthusiasts can rest assured and those who fantasized about taking the plane again in Albi to fly to the capital should not be under any illusions: Future work will maintain the aerodrome’s vocation as it is today.

“After more than 50 years of use, a complete overhaul of the control tower is necessary to ensure air navigation services,” reveals the town hall, owner of the site, to Occitanie News“This modernization, in addition to improving the working conditions of the agents, will make it possible to meet the current requirements of Civil Aviation,” she adds.

An update

Although the airfield was built in 1933, the control tower dates back to the 1970s. When the site was transformed into an airport for thirty years, it was therefore appropriate to update this essential instrument.

For the beginning of 2025

“With the start of work at the end of October, the new lookout should be operational at the beginning of February 2025,” Albi town hall said. Occitanie News.

And until then? Hundreds of parachute jumps are organized each year at the Albi take-off point, not to mention first flights, pilot training, etc. “The control tower being an essential element to guarantee safety, throughout the entire period of the works, the operation of the aerodrome will be maintainedin particular thanks to a temporary lookout,” specifies the town hall.

As for its exterior appearance, we will have to wait a little longer to have the first visuals proposed by the different candidates.

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