Preparations are well underway at the building site, which is among the largest in Finland – the main contractors have been selected and construction of infrastructure is proceeding.
‘The construction site notwithstanding, the smoothness and safety of air traffic and the customer experience are always of primary importance’, says Henri Hansson, Technical Director of Finavia.
Helsinki Airport is preparing for the upcoming terminal extension site in many ways. At the moment, construction of temporary aircraft stands and public utility services is underway.
Choosing the two main contractors was a major step forwards. The main contractors are Lemmikäinen Corporation and Destia Group.
‘In conjunction with the contractors, we are still putting the finishing touches on the plans for an investment decision to be made in the autumn’, Hansson states.
Large and small contracts
The extension of the terminal will be completed as two large and two small contracts.
The first big contract comprises the building of infrastructure, and it will be carried out as an alliance contract. The second large contract is construction of the terminal building, which will be performed as a project management contract.
‘These are both collaborative contracts. With the main contractors, we form a project organisation to which Finavia and the contractors and designers bring their own competence. The smooth progress of the work requires a clear joint objective, good management, sufficient resources, and open communication’, Hansson continues.
Smaller contracts include the building of a baggage handling system and boarding bridges, as well as specific purchases by the client.
Little impact on daily life
Thanks to good planning and Finavia’s solid experience, the impact of the construction work on the daily life of the airport can be minimised. However, the different phases of construction mean that at times more aircraft will have to be left on outdoor stands.
‘We have thought through technical and production-related solutions and safety questions well in advance’, Hansson assures.
Sizable job site
The terminal extension of Helsinki Airport will add more space to the terminal and increase the number of baggage handling systems and aircraft stands.
The extension will increase the area of the terminal by 75,000 square metres. Aircraft parking and taxiing areas will be renewed in an area covering 65 football fields.
The extension of the terminal will commence at the south wing of the non-Schengen area. After it has been completed, construction of the west wing is next, scheduled for completion in the summer of 2020.
