Ahead of the start of the World Cup Tournament in Russia next month, Puma Energy subsidiary Puma Aviation has completed its new fueling facility at Platov International Airport, near Rostov-on-Don, which will serve as a host city for the games. Platov opened last December, replacing the old Rostov Airport, which was no longer able to meet the traffic demands for the capital of the Southern Federal District. It has already served more than 650,000 passengers in its first full three months, and it is slated to reach three million by year-end.
According to the Singapore-based Puma, the new facility has a jet fuel storage capacity of more than 2.35 million gallons (8,900 cubic meters), ensuring the airport will be more than able to meet increased fuel demands during peak usage such as during the FIFA tournament, and has space available to expand capacity by another 50 percent to meet projected passenger growth over time.
“This fueling facility uses the latest technology to ensure that aircraft have a reliable supply of high-quality fuel handled to international safety standards, not just during the World Cup, but as the region continues to benefit from the expanded airport capacity,” noted Seamus Kilgallon, Puma’s global head of aviation. “It’s equipped with high-speed fuel receiving and distribution modules, a fuel pump station that enables tank-to-tank transfer, and four new refueler trucks with lifting platforms.” The location also includes a fuel quality control laboratory.
“With hundreds of thousands of football fans due to travel into Russia to enjoy the 2018 FIFA World Cup in June, we’re thrilled that we have been able to construct this facility to the highest standard in the shortest time frame possible,” added Kilgallon.