Top 10 airport contracts in the GCC


By Conrad Egbert and Lutfi Qaraman
  • Saturday, 4 July 2009 4:00 AM
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Al Maktoum International Airport.

Al Maktoum International Airport.

With ongoing infrastructure projects holding up the construction industry, Construction Week takes a look at some of the biggest airport projects, you should be involved in.

1. Al Maktoum International AirportValue:US $8 billion

Client:Dubai Department of Civil Aviation

Schedule:In early 2007, Kharafi National was awarded the main construction contract for two Central Utility Complexes. The company was also awarded the main construction contract for Dubai Logistics City headquarters and office park, which is already completed. International Aeradio will provide meteorological systems for the project, while Northrop Grumman will be responsible for radar operations. Al Naboodah Contracting Company will take care of constructing the first runway at the airport. Due to some delay in construction and financial issue, phase one of the project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2010.

Scope:The project calls for the construction of Al Maktoum International Airport, planned as the largest passenger and cargo hub in the world, located in Jebel Ali. The airport is part of Dubai World Central that will include six parallel runways, which are each 4.5km in length and separated by a distance of 800m; three passenger terminals including two luxury facilities, with one dedicated to airlines of the Emirates Group, the second to other carriers, and the third dedicated to low cost carriers; multiple concourses; 16 cargo terminals with a 12 million tonne capacity; executive and royal jet centres; hotels and shopping malls. The airport is set to become the region's only hub for all aircraft up to A380 specifications, and over 100,000 parking spaces for airport staff and passengers.

2. Ajman International Airport

Value:US $1.5 billion

Client:Government of Ajman

Schedule:The design of the airport and the feasibility study was carried out by Booz Allen Hamilton and ICTS International NV. The airport will be constructed in two phases by Grupo Inmobiliario Whitelake. The first phase is set to take 18 months and will cover the basic buildings and runway, while the 36-month second phase will cover the related facilities. The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015.

Scope:The airport, located in Al Manama area, will be built on 5km². It will serve at least 1 million passengers a year and handle a minimum of 400,000 tonnes of cargo.

3. Expansion of Muscat International Airport

Value:US $1.2 billion

Client:Transport and Communications Ministry

Schedule:A joint venture of Consolidated Contractors Company and TAV was awarded the main construction contract in May this year. Construction is scheduled to begin this month and the completion date is pencilled in for the third quarter of 2012.

Scope:The work includes construction of northern runway, taxiway system, aprons, roads, utility buildings and other civil works. Further packages will cover a terminal building, an air traffic control tower and ancillary buildings.

4. Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport Value:US $1.17 billion

Client:Dubai Department of Civil Aviation

Schedule:Al Jaber Engineering and Contracting was awarded the main construction contract in April this year. The contract includes the construction, completion and maintenance of the civil, architectural, MEP, SAS and signage works for concourse 3.

Scope:Concourse 3 will be connected to the two major public levels of Terminal 3 via an automated people mover in addition to the vehicular and baggage handling system utility tunnels. The building, which follows the characteristic shape of Concourse 2, will be 645m long, 90m wide and 42m high in the centre from the apron level. Concourse 3 will accommodate 20 aircraft stands, 18 of which will accommodate Airbus' new A380.

5. New Doha international Airport - Airfield paving and road tunnel

Value:US $500 million

Client:Civil Aviation Authority

Schedule:A joint venture between Sino Hydro and Gamuda WCT was awarded the main construction contract in July 2005. Construction is in progress and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2010. Scope:Work includes the construction of two runways of 4.8km and 4.2km each, taxiways, aprons, an isolation pad, remote parking bays, 650m midfield tunnel structure, drainage comprising of 46km concrete lined ditches, airfield lighting, signage and site final grading. 6. Prince Taif Domestic Airport Development

Value:US $500 million

Client:General Authority of Civil Aviation

Schedule:The joint venture of Saudi's Adham Group and Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Company is the consultant for the initial plan of the airport. In November 2008, the project received the approval from the Saudi Government to go ahead with that project. The design of the airport is expected to start this year.

Scope:The Saudi government has selected the area which will be used to develop the airport. The land is located in the North-East part of Taif city. 7. Kuwait International Airport Expansion - Infrastructure PackageValue:US $250 million

Client:General of Civil Aviation

Schedule:A tender document for the main construction contract was issued last April. The last date for bids submission was May 10. An award for the main construction contract is expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

Scope:The project calls for construction of infrastructure for the Kuwait International Airport. The scope of work includes construction of runway (15c/33c), airplanes hanger and roads. 8. New Doha International Airport - Emiri Terminal

Value:US $250 million

Client:Civil Aviation Authority

Schedule:A joint venture of Construction and Development Company and Takenaka was awarded the main construction contract in May 2006. Construction is in progress and expected to be completed in early 2011.

Scope: The project calls for construction of a royal terminal, a passenger terminal parking structure, a mosque and other related facilities. 9. Kuwait International Airport Expansion - Electrical Infrastructure Package

Value:US $150 million

Client:General of Civil Aviation

Schedule:Siemens WLL was awarded the main construction contract in May 2007. Construction was started in early 2008. Development of the airport is in progress and is expected to be completed in January 2011.

Scope:The project calls for supply and installation of integrated electrical infrastructure including maintenance of transmission, distribution and generating with new substation and emergency power generating facilities. 10. Prince Abdulmajeed Airport in Al OlaValue:US $38 million

Client:General Authority of Civil Aviation

Schedule:Almabani General Contractors was awarded the main construction contract in the end of 2007. Construction started in early 2008. In January this year 28% of work was completed and the project is expected to be finished by early 2010.

Scope:The project calls for the construction of Prince Abdulmajeed Airport in Al Ola, Saudi Arabia. The project includes construction of a main terminal, runway, an aircraft yard, two service buildings, residential campus, and a building used for switchgear, substations and chillers.

Related:
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New Doha International Airport

Dubai International Airport

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