As some of the most frequented mega-hubs in the world, airport facilities continually invest in an improved passenger experience, making travel more seamless for guests from around the world.

The largest aviation facilities in North America see tens of millions of travelers pass through their doors each year and operate with rigid safety and security procedures that have earned a high degree of public trust. Working within these facilities, our experienced teams honor airport safety and security as our top priority, ensure construction in no way interferes with ongoing operations and deliver innovative solutions that exceed the expectations of our clients.

The bedrock of successful airport operations is safety and security. From the onset of any aviation construction project, we develop a clear and thorough plan for the safety and security of the project site. Working at the Vancouver International Airport on a large-scale addition to the Pier D wing of the international terminal, we implemented radio-frequency identification (RFID) to verify worker compliance with airport requirements as well as track workers throughout the project site. RFID cards were worn by all workers and provided proof of required certifications, trainings and orientations for persons within the secure site. Workers would sign in and out when entering or leaving site, allowing the RFID system to maintain an accurate count of every day’s workers. This process promoted safety by tracking workers on site in real-time, expedited worker access to site by 45 minutes per worker each day and generated workforce reports separated by trade. 

Maintaining consistent operations within a bustling aviation facility without disturbing travelers is paramount to project success. When renovating ticket lobbies at the Orlando International Airport, we noticed dust and insulation materials were reacting to increases in temperature by emitting a noticeable smell hours after completing hot work. To mitigate disturbance, PCL used a thermal imaging camera in conjunction with BIM 360 to identify the heat signature of the area. This technology allowed PCL to carefully track the temperature of hot work areas, so that the team could ensure temperatures returned to under 100°F within one hour of work being performed. 

During the construction of an addition to Terminal 1 at Lester B. Pearson International Airport, existing air handling units (AHUs) slated for replacement had to stay in operation throughout construction without compromising air quality for thousands of daily passengers traveling through the terminal. To achieve the seamless replacement, the existing AHUs were constantly monitored and serviced weekly, the installation of new units was expedited, and once new units were installed and commissioned, they were tied into the existing system overnight. A section of the building envelope was left open in anticipation for the removal of existing units and was promptly closed once the AHUs were out of the building. 

As construction of an airport terminal nears completion, managing inspections for areas to be turned over, including tenant shell spaces for various retail and restaurant locations becomes top priority. On the San Diego Airport Terminal 2 Expansion project, PCL engaged the City of San Diego to develop a multi-phased permit inspection card so that certain areas of the terminal could be turned over early. In meeting with City managers, inspectors and the fire marshal, PCL received the City’s buy-in for the phased inspection approach, a first for the City. This approach streamlined communication between all stakeholders and the City inspectors and was vital to the successful multi-phase turnover of the project.

Having completed more than 700 aviation projects, PCL’s team of experts are trusted by airport operators throughout North America to deliver exceptional projects that improve the travel experience of millions of passengers each year.