Auckland International Airport

 

Customer: Auckland International Airport Ltd 

Location: Auckland, New Zealand  

 

 

Transport Solutions New Zealand & Pacific Islands

Fast Facts

  • The airport and related business contribute $3.5 billion to Auckland’s economy

  • Over 12,000 people work at Auckland Airport

  • 5 million international and domestic passengers use the airport every year

  • This traffic is projected to grow to 44 million passengers in 2044

  • Auckland Airport is the second largest airport in Australasia for international passenger traffic

McConnell Dowell has been working with the airport team since January 2019 to maintain critical, complex assets such as the jet fuel pipelines, utility services and carrying out runway pavement renewals.

We have also been working on contracts to enable the planned Transport Hub, removing old buildings, and constructing new secure facilities, roading, pavement works and utilities.

The different scales and capabilities of the projects listed below, demonstrate just how flexible and responsive we are to the client’s needs.

Click on the boxes below to expand them for more information about the projects.

 

The Challenge:  

The main challenge was maintaining the fuel supply during the upgrade and ensuring it was kept clean throughout the handling and storage process. Containment testing failure was a key risk and mitigating this allowed the fuel to be recycled back into the system. While the new pipework was connected, MCD kept all services live and fully operational as they are critical in the AIAL daily operations.   

The Solution:    

  • The shuts were programmed in two parts as increased detail and micro-planning were required for ‘the shutdown’ itself. 
  • Shutdowns are planned to the minute as part of that micro-planning, this allows us to accurately track in detail the progress of the shut as works progress. 

MCD programmed each fuel shutdown into two parts the setup and prep work, then the shutdown and re-establishment. It was split into two parts as increased detail and micro-planning were required for the shutdown itself. 
The shutdown was timed to the minute as part of that micro-planning. This allowed the team to accurately track the progress of the shut as the works progressed. Detailed planning began six months in advance to ensure all contingencies were covered.  
 
The plans were also reviewed in collaborative workshops with the client. Various scenarios and plans to manage each were worked through to ensure all contingencies were addressed. We also followed each shutdown with a ‘lessons learned’ session to ensure the process was completed without fault and refined each time.    

The Key to Success:  

Extensive forward planning, maintaining high-quality standards and making sure the airport’s strict health and safety rules were followed were key to successful construction.  
  
The project’s success was largely due to a high-performing team who were focused on delivering value and carrying top-quality work to improve Auckland’s International Airport.  Commitment to quality, coupled with cooperation and robust health and safety systems resulted in a high-quality project that was delivered with minimal disruption for the client.  

The TDP fuel line enabling works began in September 2019 and were completed in August 2020.  

Project Gallery