Increasing capacity at Northern Territory’s busiest airport

Increased capacity 

The major expansion of Darwin Airport increased the terminal’s flexibility and capacity to meet significant growth in domestic and international passenger numbers. We also delivered the design and construction of the new Qantas Club Lounge doubling its capacity. Design and procurement were fast-tracked to meet the overall project’s construction program ensuring the lounge was ready to welcome visitors as soon as the terminal was complete.

Beating the ‘wet’

Our experience in North Queensland translated to an understanding of the Northern Territory’s seasons. We ensured critical works were programmed to take place outside of the wet season to avoid delays. This included major structural works. Off-site procurement for main structural steel as well as precast hollow panels saved time and ensured the structure and roof were completed before the wet season commenced. This eliminated the risk of Darwin’s monsoon impacting the construction program as internal works could be completed after the roof had been installed. 

Airside works

Our unfaltering attention to detail and experience in live environments ensured the works carried out airside would have no impact on the airport’s operations. We progressively cleaned up and removed spoil from site while also constantly monitoring surrounding roads and aprons making sure no foreign object debris was left behind that could have caused major disturbances. Our choice of building materials, such as structural steel and precast frames, reduced impacts even further. 

Built by locals

Engaging local businesses wherever possible was a priority for the project. All site installation works were completed by local businesses including all services trades, windows, roofing, external cladding and other finishes as well as core and stair wall precast panels. With Darwin’s construction industry booming, securing structural trades locally was a significant challenge. Our approach ensured we engaged local businesses wherever possible, only sourcing structural materials nationally if we couldn’t secure a local contract. For any structural material we couldn’t source locally, these were pre-fabricated nationally and installed by local businesses.