Auckland Airport, the main hub of flag carrier Air New Zealand, has pushed back plans for a second runway by more than a decade.
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Auckland Airport (AKL) has pushed back building a second runway by a decade, saying operational changes have mitigated the capacity constraints previously expected. AKL had planned to have a second runway operational by 2028, but in its first update to its master plan since 2014, the airport said a second runway will not be operational until 2038 and perhaps later. “The likely timing has been pushed out a decade, although the introduction of operational innovation may extend that date further into the future,” AKL stated. AKL Chief Strategic Planning Officer Mary-Liz Tuck said the airport “still expects to need a second runway but through operational and airfield efficiency measures, the anticipated trigger point has been revised.” She added: “Building another runway at AKL is part of our planning roadmap, and our current airfield investments, including a major airfield expansion to the north of the international terminal and a consolidated cargo precinct alongside, are being built with this in mind.” Tuck explained that building a second runway is: “a big commitment, and one that we will only consider if it is in the best interests of New Zealand. First, we will fully explore all the ways we can ensure our current airfield operates as efficiently as possible.” AKL forecasts the number of annual passengers handled by the airport will double from current levels to 38 million by 2047.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) moved six prefabricated modules across its airfield to the site where nine total gates will be added to Terminals A and C. “The engineering feat included moving a total of six massive modules—the largest measuring 204 ft. long by 68 ft. wide and weighing approximately 1,200 tons—across two closed runways overnight using self-propelled modular transporters,” DFW said. The Terminal C pier expansion will span 115,000 ft.2, while the Terminal A pier expansion will span 140,000 ft.2. The total cost of the project is expected to be $3 billion. DFW has a total of 171 gates across its five terminals. The airport has seven runways.
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will build a 20-megawatt solar field at Worcester Regional Airport (ORH). “The major clean energy project will be built on 44 acres … away from aviation operations,” Massport said. “It is expected to generate an estimated 22.3 kWh annually.” Massport said it is “transforming … underutilized land at Worcester Regional Airport into one of the largest solar fields in the state.” ORH is served by: American Airlines, which operates from the airport to New York John F. Kennedy; Delta Air Lines, which operates to New York LaGuardia; and JetBlue Airways, which serves three Florida destinations, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers (on a seasonal basis) and Orlando. Massport also runs Boston Logan International Airport.
Irish airport operator DAA said it will invest €200 million ($226 million) in Cork Airport (ORK). “Significant investment will be made in passenger facilities, including a new mezzanine floor in the terminal; new security screening area; new and larger duty-free shop; enhanced executive lounge facilities; installation of new airbridges; long-term car park extension; new boarding gates; airside equipment enhancements (including green energy airside ground power units) and a 1.7-megawatt solar farm,” DAA said in a statement. The program will include a new pier in the passenger terminal and additional aircraft parking stands “to significantly increase overall airside capacity,” the airport operator said. ORK is Ireland’s second-largest airport, after Dublin Airport.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which runs Reagan Washington National and Dulles International airports, named Ashley Carvalho its new general counsel, succeeding Johnna Spera, who has retired. Carvalho previously was the senior legal counsel at the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Boston Logan International and Worcester Regional airports.
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