A new parcel logistics area with dedicated taxiway and apron to enable more efficient transition of parcel freight
Freight logistics
Christchurch Airport’s Project Kererū is one of a number of developments intended to make efficient use of airport land and allow for future growth. Project Kererū includes construction of new freight forwarding facilities and a connecting freight apron and taxiway.
Clear for take-off
As independent project managers, we successfully led the design and construction phases for delivery of both landside and airside areas of the project concurrently. Our role included managing the consultant teams for the building works as well as engaging specialist airport airside engineering consultants.
Challenges facing Project Kererū included working within a geographically constrained site which required the design of the new apron to meet Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) restrictions while catering for 737 and 767 aircraft. Contaminated land had to be effectively and safely removed while minimising cost to client. We also had to minimise any shutdown to the adjoining North Western runway and plan a construction methodology that would still allow emergency aircraft to access the runway if needed during shutdown periods.
Points of interest
- The development provides 17,000sqm of warehousing and sortation facilities across two buildings and a 22,000sqm taxiway and freight apron that connects directly to the airport runways.
- Cutting edge environmental control systems were installed to protect Christchurch’s aquifers. If a spill does occur, an interceptor tank is in place to contain the spill and the airport team is automatically notified.
- To meet the Airport’s sustainability directives and OLS restrictions, LED lights were used to reduce maintenance and running costs while providing tailored lighting solutions for aircraft apron workers at night.
