Aberdeen redevelopment set to begin

Aberdeen Airport is set to begin work on a £7.2 million runway rehabilitation programme that will involve a complete resurfacing of the main runway.

Work is to get underway on March 29, 2009 with a view for completion by the end of October. The process involves removing the top layer of runway, in small areas at a time, and replacing the surface. It is estimated that this will increase the runway's longevity by 15 years.

Kevin Brown, managing director of Aberdeen Airport, said: "This is an extensive programme of work which required a great deal of careful planning and consultations with our airline partners and local communities.

"We expect there to be very little impact on those living around the airport and little or no disruption to airport operations.

"As a very busy airport and a vital component of the oil and gas industry, we cannot simply close the airport while this important work is carried out. Therefore the majority of the work will be carried out overnight, when the runway can be closed, to minimise the impact on passengers and airport operations."

BAA Aberdeen's airfield manager, Darren Williams, added: "The full resurfacing not only entails replacement of the asphalt surface but also see energy efficient LED lighting installed for the very first time, and improvements to large areas of taxi-way.

"Once complete the new surface is expected to last for more than 15 years, ensuring many more years of continued availability for our airlines and passengers. Being the UK's sixth busiest runway, it's very important that the infrastructure provided is fit for purpose and operational at all times."

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