Successful airport development is based on a well-conceived master plan. Master planning involves the optimization of spatial, functional and economic aspects of airport development. It assists clients in achieving cost-effective, efficient and market-oriented planning and construction of their airports. To this end we provide a range of services focusing on sustainable airport development.
Projects have ranged from relatively small domestic airports, in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, to very large international hub airport developments like the new Bangkok International Airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Airport development projects are often seen as a means for improving local engineering skills within a developing country. In many projects funded by ADB, World Bank or EIB, Deerns staff have been responsible for the conceptual design and subsequently worked with local engineers and designers to prepare the final design and tender documents. This approach ensures the transfer of knowledge to local engineering firms and provides a cost effective design which fully complies with local regulations
Sustainability planning
Sustainable airport development relies on a synergy between the airport and its wider context. Environmental impacts need to be assessed and taken into account in the planning process. Further opportunities are created by integrating the airport with local urban or industrial developments, in line with the Airport City or Aerotropolis concepts.
Deerns assists clients in establishing an effective sustainability strategy, starting by establishing specific and measurable goals. In order to achieve these goals a development program may be initiated and technical guidelines developed; in any case the correct performance metrics and monitoring thereof are key to success. Thorough reporting and stakeholder engagement play an important role to ensure that achieving strategic goals is translated into operational benefits.
Utilities planning
The use of physical resources is a major factor in efficient airport operations and in achieving sustainability goals. Water, energy and fuel for example, are large items in operational expenditures and contribute a great deal to sustainable performance.
Deerns is able to evaluate the feasibility of various utilities concepts and advise on the most suitable solutions for specific airport developments. Timely consideration should be given to the allocation of utility plants and corridors, and to the constraints that (future) navigational aids and surveillance systems may pose.
Comprehensive utilities planning facilitates the growth of an airport throughout its master plan development phases and is a condition for commercial and economic success.
Terminal planning
Terminal buildings facilitate the various flows of passengers, staff, baggage and goods that converge at airports. Increasingly, technical services play an important role in the airport processes and this has far-reaching impacts on architectural design. Technical plant space is required and facilities such as baggage handling need to be integrated into the building design. Technical planning is required at an early stage in order to achieve the desired level of flexibility and allow for future expansions.
Deerns is able to advise on the most effective apron layout, accommodating changing fleet mixes and growing peak hour passenger numbers. Optimising flows inside the terminal building requires in-depth knowledge of security regulations and operational processes. Deerns provides a full range of terminal planning services including capacity analysis and advanced flow modelling for complete terminal buildings and for specific airport processes. This allows for the optimization of check-in facilities and security procedures, and for improvements in service levels.