HKIA opens long awaited Midfield Concourse

Following five years of planning, design and construction, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has opened its Midfield Concourse.

HKIA accommodation

With a total floor area of 105,000m² set over five levels, the concourse includes 20 aircraft parking stands – 19 of which are bridge-served – including two capacious Code F (A380) stands, and is positioned between the two existing runways. 
When at full operational capacity with 230 flights per day, the concourse can handle an additional 10 million passengers a year, who will be connected to Terminal 1 via an extended automated people mover (APM).

Many hands

This mighty project called for the joint expertise of Mott MacDonald and Arup – who have already worked together on several airport projects, including HKIA Terminal 1 and Heathrow Terminal 5 – and was supported by a team of sub consultants including the architects, Aedas and terminal planners, OTC. Innovative technologies were also employed, with the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) winning awards in its field.

Green credentials

With the aim of maximising sustainability, the visionary concourse includes more than 35 ‘green features’. Low-energy lighting and high performance glazing panels have been used as well as optimum positioning of skylights and solar shading to maximise natural lighting whilst reducing solar heat gain to save on air conditioning.
The shape of the building has also been cleverly designed to take full advantage of – and work effectively within – its environment.
Recycled water is used for water-cooled chillers in the air-conditioning system and seawater for flushing, while renewable energy is harnessed via 1,200m² of solar panels throughout the building.

The impressive new concourse marks an important step for Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) who are planning to begin their expansion to a three runway system.