Gleeds, the International Management and Construction Consultancy, has been appointed to two key projects for Birmingham Airport. The firm has been employed as Cost Manager for the procurement phase of the extension of the Airport's runway and as Project Manager, Cost Manager and CDM Co-ordinator to the construction of a new air traffic control tower. 

Works on the runway will include a 450m extension with parallel taxiways to the south end, partial overlay to the existing runway and additional taxiways incorporating navigational aids, new lighting, drainage, and perimeter road and fencing. The airfield extension is planned to be constructed in parallel with a scheme undertaken by the Highway Authority to improve the road infrastructure on the east side of Birmingham. This includes a two kilometre diversion of the A45 dual carriageway and associated parallel utilities including gas, electricity, water and communications. 

In addition to the runway extension project, Gleeds has been appointed as Project Manager on the construction of a new 37m high air traffic control tower with associated support building as part of the Airport's on-going redevelopment programme. The new control tower is required as part of the runway extension project. It will replace the existing 70 year old facility and will enable the airport to expand to meet future demand. The Airport is developing the new tower with its air traffic services supplier NATS. The new facility will encompass the latest technology and air traffic management equipment.

Stuart Senior, Managing Partner at Gleeds Nottingham who have overall responsibility for the scheme, said "Gleeds has extensive experience within the aviation sector and has previously delivered control towers for both East Midlands and John Lennon airports. The team has provided support to clients on projects both airside and landside and has a considerable knowledge of civil engineering works so we feel well placed to handle this scheme. We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious programme for Birmingham Airport which should have a positive impact as the Midlands recovers from the recession", he went on to add.   

Birmingham Airport serves some 140 direct scheduled & charter routes and offers an additional 280 possible connections worldwide. This gives passengers a choice of 420 direct or one-stop flights. It is second largest airport outside London and served 8.5 million passengers in 2010.