VolkerFitzpatrick appointed to help deliver Heathrow’s new investment programme
VolkerFitzpatrick is partnering with Heathrow to deliver its new investment programme, which will provide a step-change in the customer experience and transform the airport on its journey to become a net-zero aviation hub. The last week of September saw the start of VolkerFitzpatrick’s first contract on the H7 Framework, to deliver the re-surfacing of the Southern entry/exit taxiways and Runway 09R/27L. After a year of planning and ongoing collaborative work between VolkerFitzpatrick and Heathrow, the project involves almost 60,000 tonnes of asphalt being laid, which will take around 15 months to complete.
Works are being undertaken during night-time possessions to ensure minimal impact on the operational functions of the airport.
Kevin Berry, VolkerFitzpatrick’s operations director, commented “We are delighted to have been selected to help Heathrow transform its performance. Heathrow is currently the busiest airport in Europe and this is a great opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities on Heathrow’s most important assets.
Our integrated team is working closely with Heathrow throughout the project. We’re using digital processes and systems, to enable cost and carbon savings during both the design and delivery stages of the project.”
Heathrow’s infrastructure director, Alistair Awcock added: “Resurfacing the world’s busiest two runway airport is never a simple job. To keep this vital asset operational we must plan meticulously and make the best use of every second the runways and taxiways aren’t in use overnight.
“Thanks to VolkerFitzpatrick’s expert support, we can reliably transform our airfield into a construction site and back again night after night, with passenger planes safely landing on their hard work just hours later.”
Heathrow Airport’s new investment programme aims to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint by 2.3Mt by the end of 2026. The decarbonisation of aviation is recognised as one of society’s most complex challenges, requiring a truly multidisciplinary solution. It encompasses airport operations, surface access, future fuels, energy transition, operational and embodied carbon, nature-based solutions, behavioural change, data and digital and smart systems.
VolkerFitzpatrick are also providing extensive and continuous community support to the nearby area. The business is engaging with nearby education establishments and the local community which includes working with supply chain contractors from the surrounding area, providing employment opportunities over the course of the project as well as placing apprentices and trainees on site.
