AA: New terminal uses old airport runway

THE Airport Authority (AA) said a new terminal to be built at ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago will use much of the existing infrastructure such as the runway, leading to many benefits. The terminal will be south of the Store Bay Local Road, between Kilgwyn Bay Road on the east, and Store Bay Feeder Road on the west.

The AA listed the factors to determine site suitability, namely cost-effectiveness, time saving, continuity of operations and reuse, topography, minimal social impact and environmental impact.

The new terminal will be 600 metres east of the current terminal, which is at the 6000-foot mark on the runway.

Existing airport infrastructure that will still be utilised includes the runway, the existing terminal (which will become a cargo and executive jet centre), administration building, and the areas used for ground-handling, equipment and maintenance.

“If these had to be constructed in a greenfield site, the cost of construction would likely be at several times higher and billions of dollars more.” A greenfield site would have needed clearance of the lands, backfilling, design and paving of a new runway and pavements, design, construction of buildings for supporting services such as offices, maintenance buildings and security facilities.

The step also saves time. “Since the new terminal is on the existing aerodrome and construction will be limited to the terminal, car parking, pavement and access roads, the time frame for construction at the selected location will be faster than at a greenfield site.

“This is especially the case since aeronautical studies, design, obtaining approvals and construction of facilities for a new aerodrome on a greenfield location involve a significantly longer period than the period that is possible at the current location.”

Continuity of operations was also a plus. “The selected location allows reuse of the existing terminal, apron and pavement.”

The measure has a minimal environmental impact.

“A greenfield site would necessitate environmental impact studies and identifying an area with the right topography or backfilling and civil works if the area is less than ideal. Topography and environmental impact have already been considered at the selected site.” The new site also meets technical aviation requirements.

“The location selected by the THA and the Authority therefore has been demonstrated to be the most cost effective option and the most suitable site to complete construction of new terminal facilities and associated works in a timely manner so the people of Tobago could enjoy the benefits of a boosted tourism sector, increased employment opportunities and modern airport facilities which would serve as a catalyst for further economic development.”