Atkins, a subsidiary of engineering firm SNC-Lavalin, has been appointed to manage the expansion and modernization of Birmingham Airport, UK.
Over the next five years, Atkins will assist Birmingham Airport in replacing and upgrading its current assets and will oversee the first phase of the terminal expansion as project manager and lead designer.
Nick Barton, CEO, Birmingham Airport, said, “Our Master Plan looks ahead to the year 2033 and outlines how the airport will develop the site to handle the 40% expected growth in passengers.
“A significant element of the £500m (US$660m) investment over the next 14 years is the terminal transformation project, to deliver a world-class terminal facility for our customer that can cater for the growth in demand.
“We are therefore delighted to have awarded Atkins the contract for the lead design and project management for this package of works and we look forward to working in collaboration with them.”
Atkins has used virtual reality technology to create a 3D digital model of the airport that will be used continuously over the next five years, allowing the team to test and develop plans in a safe environment, with reduced impact on airport operations.
As part of the airport redesign, Atkins is also using its Human Centred Design (HCD) approach. This method uses data collected through web-based surveys conducted during the early stages of the project to ensure that passenger health, safety and wellbeing play a central role in the terminal’s new design.
Mike McNicholas, managing director for infrastructure at SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, said, “The transformation of Birmingham Airport will bring improved connectivity and economic prosperity to the region.
“We look forward to working closely with Birmingham Airport and their stakeholders on this project, applying the latest technology and our HCD approach in new and exciting ways to inform the airport’s transformation at this early stage.”
The Master Plan outlines the airport’s role in driving future economic benefit to the region which will increase by 42%, totaling £2.1bn (US$2.8bn) a year and 34,000 jobs by 2033. A greater choice of flights and destinations, alongside improved regional connectivity and a direct link to HS2, are vital to the continued growth of the region’s economy.
Atkins PE vice president Iraj Ghaemi will be giving a presentation entitled ‘The future sustainable airport – energy independence and the microgrid’ as part of the Environment & Sustainability stream at the Passenger Terminal Conference, which takes place during Passenger Terminal Expo, on March 26, 27 and 28, 2019, in London.