Downer delivers fully integrated, end-to-end airport services, including Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), pavement design and delivery, ITS and lighting, innovative and sustainable products, and asset management and maintenance solutions. In New Zealand, Downer also provides commercial construction services through Hawkins to satisfy the diverse needs of our airport customers.
Projects and Case Studies
Experience
Early engagement to optimise outcomes
The opportunity to impact carbon footprint diminishes the further a project progresses along its lifecycle. Early collaboration between airport clients, consultants and contractors, including through Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) models, allows for early integration of sustainable product options into project specifications (see our estimating embodied carbon whitepaper). This supports airport operators and consultants to make informed decisions aligned to sustainability goals.
Additional benefits of early engagement and the ECl process include optimised innovation and constructability insights with input into potential product and technology solutions, more informed consideration and allocation of risk, and often better cost and programme outcomes.
Key contacts

George Leidig
As Downer's Head of Airports, George has been instrumental in uniting capability across our trans-Tasman Transport & Infrastructure business and our NZ Hawkins commercial construction team, to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions that enhance airport operations of all sizes. George sets a visionary course for Downer's future with airports, through fostering strong relationships, embracing technological advancements, and continuing to develop our people with a focus on quality project delivery.

Simon Abrahams
Simon is Downer's GM Specialised Pavements & Projects, overseeing our portfolio of pavement-related Airports works in Australia, and transferring lessons learnt into our New Zealand and Pacific projects. Current and recent projects completed by Simon's team include the Hobart Airport Airfield Upgrade Project (to upgrade the airfield to accommodate Code E international aircraft), RAAF Base Richmond Runway upgrade, and Sydney Airport Domestic 2 and Domestic 3 Taxiway and Apron Reconstruction works.