Airport construction is a complex process, with plans constantly subject to change and projects commencing in fully operational airports. To manage these challenges, PCL prioritizes integrated collaboration with owners and all stakeholders involved.

By engaging airport operations teams from the outset, PCL ensures that the construction plan is aligned with operational needs and is communicated to everyone. This approach facilitates early risk identification and mitigation when tackling complex scopes of work.  

Working in airport construction requires compliance with strict safety and security regulations set by international, national and local aviation authorities. We begin logistics planning and development of rigorous Project Execution Plans (PEP) early in preconstruction, incorporating specialized safety and security training as integral to trade onboarding before workers arrive on-site.

Airside or landside, setting up a secure job site involves comprehensive personnel training and ongoing communication of protocols to ensure security procedures remain a priority for everyone. 

Aviation is a dynamic industry. A construction partner, engaged early in the design process can undertake design optimization, constructability and value-engineering assessments through a future-proof lens to build adaptable facilities. Our teams have experience with the advanced technology systems airport operations rely on, including radar, navigation aids, communication networks, baggage handling systems and security systems.

Whether seamlessly integrating advanced technology or offering the flexibility to increase capacity as passenger numbers grow, PCL is focused on enhancing safety, security, sustainability, long-term value, operational continuity and – ultimately – the passenger experience.  

PCL’s expertise in airport construction is grounded in meticulous planning and preparation, honed through years of experience working in these environments. With a goal of zero operational impacts, we proactively identify potential risks and develop multiple contingency plans, ensuring that every project can proceed smoothly, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. For critical operations such as gate closures or utility tie-in/shutdowns, PCL never relies on a single solution. Instead, our ability to devise and implement several plans distinguishes us as leaders in the field.

At PCL, we emphasize the importance of highly detailed work plans and backup strategies, especially in the high-stakes environment of airport projects. In critical situations, these plans often contain down-to-the-minute detail, reflecting the necessity for precise planning when working around airport operations.   

Upgrading baggage handling systems in active airports is a particularly challenging task, but one at which PCL excels. Modern baggage handling systems are complex networks of conveyors, scanners, robotics and automated sorting systems that must operate seamlessly to ensure all luggage reaches the correct destination. Our teams are experienced in micro-phasing installation sequences and, if needed, building temporary conveyor systems that reroute baggage while the main system is being upgraded, ensuring that airport services continue uninterrupted. PCL also uses the latest building scanning methods to ensure retrofit designs work with existing facilities.

These projects also involve implementing advanced technologies that improve the speed, reliability and safety of baggage handling. PCL’s expertise in these projects ensures that airports can operate at peak efficiency while upgrading their systems to meet the demands of modern air travel. 

Retrofitting airports to meet modern travel demands is a complex undertaking, especially when adapting existing infrastructure to accommodate different aircraft. A key scope of work in these retrofit projects is modifying passenger boarding bridges to meet accessibility requirements and ensure they are compatible with the varying sizes of aircraft. 

Another critical aspect of airport retrofitting is ensuring the fire rating of the building’s exterior envelope is updated to meet current safety standards. Since aircraft park closer to terminal buildings depending on their size, it is essential to upgrade the fire rating of the building’s exterior walls, often times requiring the installation of a specialized deluge sprinkler system. PCL has extensive experience navigating the complexities of working with existing infrastructure while complying with modern regulations. Our successful track record in retrofitting airport terminals across the country demonstrates our ability to handle the unique demands of such projects with efficiency and expertise.