A futuristic terminal and satellite - claimed to be the first of its kind in the world - is to be built at Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA).

Work on the new Dh925 million ($250 million) terminal and satellite is expected start in the first quarter of 2003. The design for the project has been completed and the 15 prequalified contractors will be invited to submit their bids in September.

The new terminal will increase the airport's capacity to 7.2 million passengers a year from the current 3.7 million passengers.

The project is part of the multi-million-dollar ongoing expansion programme of the airport which was launched in 1998.

Phase one, now almost 95 per cent complete, involves the upgrading of the existing airport while phase two is a parallel expansion of the airport. The last pending project under phase one is the fifth and final rotunda or circular passenger lounges, work on which is expected to be launched shortly. Under the phase, four new rotundas, a new 1,900 sq m passenger lounge and VIP lounge have been built. In addition, new arrivals baggage carousels have been installed, the number of airline checkin desks have been doubled from 22 to 40 and the number of inbound and outbound immigration counters increased. Also, the entire dutyfree shopping area in the existing terminal has been refurbished.

The five passenger rotundas, each linked to the main terminal and equipped to handle 250 passengers, provide the airport with greater flexibility and allow more efficient passenger throughput at all times of the day and night.

The new rotundas also provide six new aircraft parking stands, which help to alleviate tarmac congestion during the airport's many peak periods. In addition, the transit hotel has been expanded from 19 rooms to 40 rooms.

The retail layout has been created around a branding concept, making way for 20 new shops on the terminal's upper concourse, giving passengers greater product choice and variety.

The new facilities and refurbishments will allow Abu Dhabi International Airport to cope with annual growth rates of 12 per cent in passenger traffic and 15 per cent in cargo throughput. Cargo capacity will also be increased to 350,000 tonnes a year.

Phase two is a $600 million masterplan involving four projects: construction of the terminal and satellite, construction of a second 4,100-m parallel runway costing about $17 million; construction of a $200 million airport hotel and a nine-hole golf course; and expansion of the Al Ain International Airport.

The project is being implemented by the Works Department for Abu Dhabi's Department of Civil Aviation.

Terminal and satellite

This futuristic terminal - the airport's second - and satellite expansion is unique as it is one of the first titanium building structures ever to be built.

The terminal will be a titanium structure while the satellite will be a steel and glass building. Both will feature sandwich panel roofs clad in titanium. The decision to use titanium was made as it the only material which can span the distances involved without support.

The terminal will have 4,000 sq m of worldclass dutyfree retail space, and 7,000 sq m for other facilities, including a 24-hour international business centre, restaurants and entertainment areas, and superb levels of passenger comfort and convenience.

While continuing the same architectural theme of an arch as the first terminal, the second terminal will be constructed on three levels.

The new 100-m-diameter satellite is directly connected to 11 aircraft stands. In addition a further seven remote stands will be built. Three of these stands - two connected to the satellite and one remote - will be capable of accommodating newage Super Jumbos such as the Airbus A380 doubledeck airliner, due to enter service in 2006. The new aircraft stands will be equipped with a 400 Hz power supply, aircraft conditioning and compressed aircraft and fuel hydrant pits.

A 30-month construction contract for the project is expected to be awarded by early 2003. Five companies have prequalified for works on the titanium structure.

Aeroport de Paris is consultant for the terminal and satellite building and ancillary buildings.

Airport hotel & golf course

Bids are being evaluated for the construction of a Dh27 million ($7.3 million) nine-hole golf course near the Abu Dhabi International Airport. A contractor is expected to be appointed by the end of this year. The project is part of the hotel and golf course complex which is targeted for completion in 2004.

Tenders have also been issued for the 153-room hotel. The closing date for submission of bids is July-end. The estimated $200 million hotel will offer extensive sports and leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, health and fitness centre, tennis courts, children's play areas, restaurants and pro-shops. The complex will also include a health club.

The consultant is Shankland Cox.

Runway

A new 4,100m second runway is to be built at the airport - equipped with advanced instrument landing and lighting systems and designed to operate in tandem with the airport's existing 4,100m runway  the longest in the region. The two runways will be 760 m apart.

The new runway, which involves extensive earthworks, is wider by 10 m from the standard 65 m runways, and will take around 30 months to build. Contractors are reported to have been shortlisted for the project which is estimated to cost around $17 million. The project also includes associated fire stations.

Halcrow International is the consultant for the project.

Al Ain airport

Work is under way on the expansion of Al Ain Airport. About 15 per cent of the work is said to be completed. The Dh65 million project includes a new cargo facility as well as a catering building. The project is expected to be completed during late 2003.

Al Ain airport handled some 160,000 passengers, more than 3,000 aircraft and 500 tonnes of cargo in 2001.

Meinhardt is the consultant on the project.