Dar Magazine I10 Page 29

4. Airport operation readiness challenges

Dar coordinates with all stakeholders to identify staff and
resources needs. Also, the team constantly deals with new
operational, security and safety standards. Finally, Dar has been
tasked with the training, operational trials and transfer of all 75
airlines to the new facilities, as well as control authorities and
supporting services all without disrupting existing passenger
services.

5. Expectation challenges

Dar's services will pave the way for a greater private sector role
in the airport, and will lead the change from government service
to customer-focused business. Dar provides the infrastructural
backbone and the equipment to enable a seamless transition to
Phases 2 and 3. Also, we manage the increased involvement of
the private sector under several public private partnership (PPP)
contracts. Thirdly, we assist the National Carrier (60% of passenger
traffic at KAIA) in the transformation, helping them plan and
adapt operations to suit the new facilities.

The challenges and expectations on Dar's shoulder are
considerable. However, they demonstrate the faith that the client
has put in Dar's capability and experience in airports confirmed
by our Number 1 ranking in airports worldwide for 10 years in the
past 12 years, per latest Engineering News-Record (ENR) surveys.
Teamwork is everything for such a project and is fully in evidence
by the Dar team as is the caliber of the Dar team working, who
perform with professionalism, in difficult circumstances, under
pressure in an extremely complex project.

KAIA: More than a mere airport

· About 720,000 m

in built-up area spread

over a spectacular twin crescent footprint

· State-of-the-art air traffic control

technology with a landmark 136 m high
control tower

· A transportation center with an integrated

rail station for seamless travel connections

· Forty-six contact gates and 94 boarding

bridges, including ones for double deck,
A380 aircraft

· Automated people movers (APMs)

internally linking the passenger processor
and the international hub

· Sophisticated baggage handling system

(BHS) with over 1,700 m of conveyor belts

· Taxiways, roads, tunnels, utilities networks,

and support facilities on a scale to match
the main buildings

· A fuel tank farm and hydrant network for

aircraft fuelling

· A plant nursery serving the airport and

broader community

· High-end lounges, an airside hotel, and

catering and retail facilities

Onwards and upwards

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