Belfast Airport

The Challenge

We were asked by the client to contribute to the development of the airport masterplan, providing the concept and scheme design for all baggage areas and supporting the main architect by supplying operational information for all external and baggage areas. With any Low Cost airport, the challenge was to provide maximum efficiency and flexibility for the client at minimal cost whilst involving all stakeholders in the design and operational process.

The Solution

With our knowledge and experience of operational processes, flight and aircraft data and realising capacity, AIQ developed a concept to improve passenger experience, security and efficiency at the airport whilst allowing them to grow with capacity demands.

We defined and provided the physical design of all baggage elements, including direct baggage input, sortation, security screening, make up provisions, vehicle access and routes to aircraft side and reclaims; as well as the concept and scheme design for aircraft manoeuvring, aircraft parking and pier extension layouts. This was done with close co-operation with the main Architect for the work and other stakeholders to ensure both the efficiency and flexibility of the system.

AIQ also provided the design of landside car parks (including multi stories), road access, control posts and security perimeter, and the location of support and office accommodation. This enabled the airport to ensure a smooth passenger flow throughout the process, creating efficiencies within the system. It also discouraged fly-parking and increased revenue, a benefit to the client.

The Benefit

The client achieved functionality and flexibility within an effective capital spend. AiQ knowledge and designs provided the capability to realise capacity within a cost efficient building by focusing on the fundamental needs to create a good passenger experience throughout the airport, from parking and drop off to baggage, make up and aircraft manoeuvres.