Airport expansion has continued to be one of the most complex challenges in modern infrastructure development
Latest technological advancements have made a significant impact on the aviation industry, resulting in operations that are more streamlined and improved performance.
Millions of people can now easily search, book, and check-in for flights online, owing to the adoption of several modern innovations. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), current passenger numbers will double by 2037, resulting in significant benefits in terms of improved connectivity and the creation of a number of job opportunities on a global scale. However, it is worth noting that this increased demand can also raise the chances of an infrastructure crisis.
Dubai, renowned for its magnificence and ambition, has consistently worked to improve its infrastructure to meet the expanding needs of its residents and visitors. Additionally, there has been an increase in tourists, which has necessitated the expansion of Dubai’s airports.
Dubai reportedly welcomed 4.67mn overnight visitors in the first three months of 2023, up by 17 per cent from the 3.97mn tourists who visited during the same period in 2022. Given the clear need for significant development in the city’s airport system, the emirate has been investing in local megaprojects that can directly enhance its airport facilities and services.
Economic boost
According to MEED, the expansion of the Al-Maktoum International airport, estimated to cost AED 120bn (US$ 33bn), is positioned to provide a significant economic boost to the emirate, especially as it aims to become the world’s largest airport by 2050 with an annual capacity of up to 255mn passengers.
Architects and designers of the project have noted that the design strategy places a strong emphasis on fostering the development of an integrated commercial environment that will increase consumer engagement and intelligently utilise space. With the advances in technology, this can be easy to accomplish.
For instance, the Building Information Modelling (BIM) concept can foresee the virtual construction of the facility prior to its actual physical construction to reduce uncertainty, improve safety, resolve hindrances, and simulate and analyse potential impacts.
To meet the growing demand for sustainable flying, industry experts have also recognised the significance of integrating cutting-edge digital technologies. BIM, additive manufacturing, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data analytics, autonomous robots, along with virtual, augmented, and mixed realities are all examples of technologies that could be effectively integrated into construction processes.
Data governance
Airports, which generate vast quantities of documents from various parties, necessitate project control and data governance. There is a need for a standardised information management system at these facilities, similar to digital construction systems like connected construction, cloud computing and storage, digital twins, and AI systems among others, that will make it possible to track, replicate, and optimise all activities.
Trimble believes that the construction of airports needs to start moving in the direction of a more data-centric approach, to achieve greater visibility and improved communication flow. Many of the problems associated with suboptimal information exchange that causes project delays and increased costs could be resolved by using robotics, digitally enabled methods, and use of standard data.
As a result, approval procedures will be faster and software applications will become more interoperable, all of which will lead to improved security, efficiency, and affordability, which are essential to building airports for the future. The implementation of true BIM also appears to be a requirement today to unlock these key benefits.
Adding value
Given these numerous technological advances, Trimble is now a leader in adding value to massive mega-infrastructure projects. The company played a key role in the construction of the Adly Mansour metro station in Egypt, and the Riyadh Metro project, in addition to numerous airports around the world which have been built using Trimble’s Tekla software and robotic systems.
Tekla is capable of tackling challenges with data-rich software and meticulous workflows, and its structural engineering software solutions are driving the BIM revolution.
The Kunming Wujiaba International Airport, China, is one such example. China chose Trimble machine control, paving, and compaction control systems to decrease the amount of rework required on the construction site, saving time, money, and materials for the massive US$ 3.6bn international airport project.
Any airport infrastructure project requires the active engagement of multiple organisations. Additional participants may also include a large number of consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers who drive specific requirements for collaboration.
Ineffective communications
If such projects are managed conventionally with heavy reliance on manual and paper-based communication systems, there are high chances of delays due to ineffective communications. Consequently, using technology to manage such massive projects is deemed to be the way of the future.
It is evident that there is significant potential to increase productivity, efficiency, and project outcomes by integrating digital technology into the construction of airports. Airports can be built and managed more effectively by leveraging tools such as BIM, AI, automation, and IoT, resulting in improved passenger experiences, streamlined operations, and sustainable development in the aviation industry.
