Temporary Structures and Relocatable Buildings

According to the latest report published by Eurocontrol (The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation), despite slower air traffic growth in the next 20 years, Europe still faces a significant airport capacity crunch.  The report shows that by 2035, 1.9 million flights per year will not take place due to insufficient terminal areas.  Dorrie Eilers, Director at Neptunus, temporary facilities provider, presents a modern system of semi-permanent buildings that can address the infrastructure challenge at European airports.

Lower efficiency and constrained capacity
According to the report, the airports do not keep up with changes and growth in air traffic.  Lower incomes, lack of support from governments and pessimistic forecasts do not allow for investing in expensive extension of airport terminals, thus limiting their efficiency.  As data from 2008 indicates, the total capacity of European airports was to increase by 40% by 2030. Today these forecasts predict a lower capacity increase amounting to 17% by 2035.  Declining efficiency of airports and scarce funds for their extension will lead to reduction in the number of flights despite high demand.  Ground infrastructure seems to be preventing airlines from serving more customers.  Slump in capacity at the airports will particularly affect passengers in Poland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany and Italy.

Temporary terminals to boost capacity at the airports
Erecting a conventional new terminal building is undoubtedly a huge, long-term financial investment.  Therefore, in order to keep up with the development of airlines, airports can turn to temporary structures – modern and fully professional facilities which can replace permanent airport terminals for a given period of time.  They serve as a good solution to infrastructure problems that require quick reaction.  In addition, removable structures can be used in situations such as:

• need for temporary expansion of the airport;
• renovation or construction of permanent terminals;
• high season or mass events (such as the Olympic Games and the European Football Championships);
• replacement or supplement for existing facilities;
• damage to existing infrastructure due to natural disaster.

Temporary terminal in Germany
Semi-permanent solutions were used by the airport in Magdeburg, Germany.  The airport was originally built in 1957 as a Soviet Airforce base.  It was awarded a civil aviation license in 1994, but its operations were suspended in 2001 due to financial problems.  Development A/S, who started cooperation with low-cost airlines offering flights to various European cities, bought the airport in 2010. Popularity of low-cost flights increased and the airport faced an urgent need to extend the terminal as it was unable to handle all the passengers.  Neptunus built a 900-square-metre semi-permanent Evolution structure, which was connected to the existing building.  Within a couple of weeks the airport gained a professional and secure space with the look and feel of a permanent building; at a fraction of the cost.

The temporary terminal was equipped with the necessary infrastructure, including check-in desks, baggage claim, arrival security points, offices, washrooms and food and beverage facilities.  The insulated building was fitted with black wall panels to ensure a contemporary look and give passengers the feeling of a permanent building.  With the short construction time, the airport authorities could quickly increase the capacity and launch additional flights. In its favour, the Evolution structure is modular, which allows for the expansion of the terminal and its adaptation to the increasing number of passengers should volumes of traffic increase.

Neptunus’ temporary solutions can effectively address the challenges that airports face and enable civil aviation to grow in a sustainable manner. With modular technology temporary terminals are flexible – space can be adjusted to meet changing needs.  Semi-permanent structures are secure and robust and comply with building regulations for wind and snow loads.  A high level of finish ensures that both internally and externally, they are virtually indistinguishable from permanent buildings.

Periods of use extend from a few months to several years and contracts for rental or puchase enable efficient planning and management of costs.