Airport Disruptions. (The Globe and Mail)

Air transportation activities have been expanding at an astronomical rate. Airports have to meet the ever increasing needs of travel. This often results in many inconveniences at the airport. Read about how one airport is managing this situation.

Toronto International Airport Construction Update

On June 7th 1996 the airport authority at Toronto’s Pearson International airport in Ontario, Canada, began a project to renovate the three terminals, making it one of the most expensive airport projects in the world. Thomas Watkins, senior manager and partner at Hansen Engineering Ltd. oversaw the first phase of the project only last year. We began this over ten years ago and we built the first terminal in record time. When we finish on September 9th 2009, all three terminals will be rebuilt, he said while he stood in one of the construction zones that shook every time an airplane landed on nearby runway 2.

“A lot of people ask me what we need to complete a mega project, and I say a few good managers, a few deep pockets, and a little luck with the weather.” When further asked about noise problems he said “when we are finished, you will be able to hear a pin drop inside the terminal when an Airbus A380 is taking off.” “To make the project more complicated, we have to do the construction work around the 20 million passengers that come through every year” said Reno Gabrielli a construction worker. “The project will be finished in 12 months, on time and on budget.”

The construction schedule

June 1st, 1996 Project Launched.
August 2nd, 2000 Terminal One completed.
April 21st 2005 Terminal Two completed.
November 20th 2008 Terminal Three completed.
September 9 th 2009 Project completion.

Vancouver International Airport

Hansen Engineering has been asked to oversee the terminal renovation at Vancouver International airport which is scheduled to begin 2012 with a completion date slated for 2016. The project will not have the same significance but it is definitely a large development. These projects have a large impact on tourism and transportation. Perhaps the biggest impact is on the tourism sector which stands to benefit the most. The business traveler likes to travel in luxury. The terminal has to reflect the dynamic business climate in western Canada.

The Globe and Mail.