London City Airport Jet Centre
"The timing of the cranage and work on site were critical to fit in with aircraft movements. I am pleased to report that both Jet Centre projects were delivered precisely on programme and within budget."
The Requirement
In 15 years, aircraft movements in and out of the independently owned and operated London City Airport have soared to 55,000 per year and corporate aviation has grown by 252% since 1995. To meet the continued increase in demand, the airport had a requirement for new VIP facilities. The method of construction also had to minimise disruption to the running of the airport.
The Solution
The £600,000 contract for the design, construction and fitting out of the new Jet Centre was awarded to Yorkon.
14 steel-framed modules were manufactured off-site in York and delivered to the airport by road where they were craned into position overnight ready for fitting out.
This significantly reduced the programme time, ensuring less disruption to the running of the airport and earlier completion of the new facilities to the benefit of corporate clients and passengers.
The 550 sqm two-storey Jet Centre accommodates VIP lounges, immigration, customs, crew facilities and VIP chauffeur parking. Fully trained staff are on hand to provide flight planning, weather briefings and landing clearances. Slot requests, ground handling arrangements, flight watch, cleaning, catering, refuelling, and baggage handling are also now organised from the new building.
In order to meet future demand, the Jet Centre has been designed by Yorkon to be easily and quickly expanded by a second phase, which would provide additional office accommodation and passenger lounges.
The main contractors for the project were Fitzpatrick, who were also responsible for constructing a dedicated VIP aircraft apron and parking for up to 20 planes, as well as foundations for the new building. Yorkon's contract follows their completion of a new security building for the airport in 2002.
Comments from the Client
Richard Gooding, Chief Executive of London City Airport:
"The Jet Centre is part of our continued investment programme to ensure we deliver an excellent service to our corporate aviation clients. This high quality building has been designed to make a strong visual statement and to reflect our corporate image. Internally, finishes are of the highest standards and large spans of glass allow superb views of the apron and runway."
"The modular approach provided us with a striking and prestigious yet cost-effective building, with flexibility for future expansion, minimal disruption to the running of this busy airport and in significantly less time."
Jonathan Smith, Project Manager for the Jet Centre project, London City Airport:
"We are very happy with the Jet Centre building, which met our design criteria for a feature building in a prominent location at the entrance to the airport. It has been well received by our customers and is easy to keep clean. The Yorkon system creates a highly flexible interior for space planning, and has allowed us to expand the facilities in a phased way that suits our operations."
"The timing of the cranage and work on site were critical to fit in with aircraft movements. I am pleased to report that both Jet Centre projects were delivered precisely on programme and within budget."
