Airport planning

Over 50 years, Arup’s expertise has enhanced value and passenger experience at many of the world’s largest and busiest hubs, including Atlanta, Beijing and Heathrow.

Yet, despite deep aviation experience we start each project, whatever the size, with fresh, systematic analysis.

Our plans smoothly negotiate the complex relationships between demand, capacity, connect time, passenger flow, regulation and investment. They are realised because they are fundable, buildable and deliverable without interrupting day-to-day operations.

A benchmark for efficiency

Our work is sought after because we have a reputation for setting new standards in aviation solutions.

For instance, Arup consulted early with JetBlue to help the airline deliver on its promise of efficient, convenient service at a low cost during the design of Terminal 5 at John F Kennedy Airport, New York. We stayed on as design manager for the terminal, which facilitates an industry-leading turnaround of aircraft in 30 minutes.

We continue to work with JetBlue to adapt for continued growth at JFK – the airline is now the airport’s largest by passenger traffic.

Assets that work harder

Future uncertainties, from climate change to shifting markets, mean than meeting demand at all costs is not a sustainable model for airports. We developed Future Airport Scenario Testing (FAST), a single model which allows airport investors and operators to make robust forecasts based on operational and capital costs, capacity and demand.

FAST informed strategic plans for new development of infrastructure at Africa’s largest airport, OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.

Airports for the future

We help airlines, airport operators, developers and regulators navigate future possibilities. Whether reconsidering the customer experience or carbon emissions, Arup brings foresight.

Our future thinking is evident in conceptual studies such as Aviation 2040, which was commissioned by the Institute of Civil Engineers to forecast scenarios for UK aviation.

Equally, Arup is changing air travel now. At every step, our involvement in the opening of the world’s largest terminal building, Emirates Terminal 3, Dubai Airport, was high profile. We continue to work steadily with Dubai Airport on high-level planning to ensure its readiness for fast expansion now and also for aviation tomorrow.