Runway Rehabilitation: The week we broke ground

Andy Sheppard, Airside Operational Readiness Lead, gives us an insight into the first stages of the Runway Rehabilitation project.

On Monday 10th November, the first section of the old runway was lifted and removed, with a total of 165 metres dug up during that week.

Once the surface has been lifted, there's a significant operation which follows. Before any resurfacing can begin, a special strengthening layer called SAMI (the white material in the images below) must be installed.

Whilst the main focus may have been on the surface works, an Aerodrome Ground Lighting team continue to work tirelessly a little further down the runway to prepare for the new LED lighting system ahead of the next stretch of asphalt. All 1,200 runway lights require a core hole cut into the asphalt and a new fitting positioned with millimetre level accuracy.

This week has also highlighted just how critical all our airport teams are in keeping everything moving safely and on time, despite significantly increased workforce numbers, a surge in vehicles operating airside, and more labour-intensive works beginning.

The Security Team are handling extremely high screening volumes each night, processing a large influx of contractors, vehicles, and equipment.

The Airport Engineering Team are working tirelessly to manage, test, and monitor the entire airfield circuit network.

And of course, the Airside Operations Team - facilitating the entire airside operation, managing aircraft movements, safeguarding work areas, and ensuring the runway has reopened on time every morning.

A huge amount of work has been happening behind the scenes, and every one of these teams has played a vital role in keeping the project on track.

It’s been a challenging week, but a hugely productive one. The project has kicked into full speed, and major visible progress is happening every night.