Despite tackling stiff competition, Gatwick Group of Horley, Surrey have now secured the third and final phase of the prestigious FLAN's (Fixed Links & Nodes Project) at Heathrow's T5C, which is the installation of 26 passenger Boarding Bridges on behalf of South Korean company Hyundai Rotem, works are due to complete in August 2010.
The contract also sees an exciting partnership between Gatwick Group and ThyssenKrupp UK, who will carry out all electrical Installation following the Transportation and Mechanical Installations by Gatwick Group.
Doug Scannell, GM of ThyssenKrupp Airport Services UK said
'We were obviously disappointed that our manufacturing division lost the order for the bridges, but we're pleased to have secured the electrical work, it makes good sense as we will hopefully be maintaining these units on behalf of BAA in the future. Having previously worked with Gatwick Group over the past 5 years installing our bridges we feel this is a natural partnership that will bring a wealth of experience to the T5C project.'
Phase 1 of the Hyundai contract has begun with the installation of the Columns and Rotundas and is already ahead of Programme. Gatwick Group are also providing support to NG Bailey installing 12 Node Buildings which is nearing completion. These run concurrently with Gatwick Groups contract with Carillion Direct Sourcing to transport and install23 fixed links (some of which are 42 meters in length) on to 12 stands.
Gatwick's MD Bob Toon said
'this has been a particularly complex job logistically because T5 C is currently being constructed in the middle of live aircraft stands which are at a premium and need to run at maximum capacity. Not only do we have to contend with the challenges of unloading the links from the cargo ships at Tilbury, we also have to negotiate the M25 with 23 Abnormal Loads, deliver them Airside to Heathrow and install them precisely on time to coincide with the projected stand closures, It's testament to the dedication and planning from all the team here and at Carillion that despite terrible weather conditions earlier this year, and major disruption to flights from the Volcanic Ash, that the program of works are still on schedule.
In addition Gatwick Group are also installing a further 10 Passenger Boarding Bridges on behalf of ThyssenKrupp at Heathrow's Terminals 2 and 3 and Gatwick's South Terminal. These will also run concurrently with the other contracts until August.