Delivering Airport Infrastructure Drawing on Broad Capability

08/11/2024

Leading airport infrastructure delivery

Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure (T&I) business has a long history of delivering world-class airport infrastructure across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.  To bring this expertise together and front a united airports capability, T&I Chief Operating Officer Murray Robertson, has appointed George Leidig to lead our market-facing aviation capability across T&I. George provides a pivotal link across T&I Australia, New Zealand (including our Pacific operations) and Hawkins, supporting our Operational GMs in their operational delivery. 

As Head of Airports, George shares with us his story and the driving force and integrated solutions behind our contract delivery. 

A journey from the ground up

Starting on the frontline operating paving equipment and working through the industry into senior leadership positions, George has seen it all. Overseeing the delivery of many airport projects stands out as one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey.

“I’ve been with Downer for over 19 years, and in the industry for far longer than I’d like to admit. One thing I’m continuously proud of is the way we deliver for airports right across the trans-Tasman and Pacific,” George says. 

He continues, “I’ve seen jobs we’ve delivered for the most remote island nations and, conversely, for the Southern Hemisphere’s busiest airports – the one thing they all have in common is their exceptional delivery. It’s these sorts of projects that enable clients and communities to thrive.” 

Over the years, Downer, including through its Hawkins business, has been instrumental in several key projects, showcasing our capability to manage and deliver complex infrastructure while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.

A strong history and trusted partnerships

George emphasises the importance of T&I’s integrated offering by delivering horizontal infrastructure, as well as commercial and vertical project expertise via Hawkins. One prime example is Downer and Hawkins’ decades-long partnership with Auckland Airport International Limited. 

George notes, “Our history with Auckland Airport is vast and varied. We have delivered various infrastructure projects both airside and landside, most recently through Hawkins’ Domestic Jet Terminal’s works and Downer’s delivery of the Northern Network Transportation Project”

Hawkins has been integral in delivering commercial building and vertical infrastructure projects for Auckland International Airport Ltd over the past 30 years. In 2010, the team delivered the Hangar 3 Hardstand project for Air New Zealand. Valued at $2.4 million, and involving collaboration with our wider Downer teams, we constructed an 8,500m² hardstand for plane fitouts and replaced taxiway slabs with high-strength concrete.

In 2017, Hawkins completed the $100 million International Pier B Project expanding gates 17 and 18. The team is currently working on the Domestic Jet Terminal Enabling Works project and have also commenced the main construction works to integrate Auckland’s domestic terminal with its international airport. This will be one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects – a huge and exciting endeavour for both Auckland International Airport Ltd, and our Hawkins teams. 

More broadly, Downer delivers fully integrated, end-to-end airport services encompassing Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), pavement design and delivery, ITS and lighting, innovative and sustainable products, utilities installation and management, asset management and maintenance solutions, as well as commercial construction in New Zealand through Hawkins, to satisfy any airport’s needs.

“We know how complex airport environments are, and how to respond effectively and efficiently. There’s no room for chance or error on airfields. Downer respects that.”

Our wider expertise in working on sites with unique operational requirements allows us to readily work in complex environments such as defence bases. A current example is the RAAF Williamtown Airport project, where we leverage relationships and specialist operational expertise from our Downer Defence team, alongside T&I’s specialist pavement capability. This collaboration enables better outcomes for our clients by integrating specialised knowledge with operational efficiency, as well as providing a streamlined interface across diverse site activity.

Recognising and responding to evolving industry needs

Identifying and responding to key industry drivers is a priority for us – supporting our aviation clients to make the most of our diverse expertise and holistic innovative solutions. 

“We understand our airports clients’ key drivers and find they hold synergies with ours at Downer. Be it increased Zero Harm and improved efficiency outcomes for the frontline, adherence to regulatory requirements, acting to address ageing infrastructure and embrace technology advances, or bolstering the sustainability of an airport’s infrastructure, we respond through innovation and investment, alongside tried and tested methods,” George explains. 

There are many practical examples of our wide-reaching contribution. Our recent work on the Chatham Islands Airport Upgrade incorporated a comprehensive safety program that reduced on-site incidents and ensured operations met the latest aviation regulatory standards. “We are proud that this action resulted in zero compliance issues during audits,” George highlights.

At Wellington and Queenstown Airports we are delivering the first two Engineered Material Arrestor System (EMAS) projects in Australasia. Working closely with our clients and consultants, we are drawing on our international networks to bring global learnings to the installation of this technology into Australasia. 

We also provide our clients with industry-leading digital engineering tools, including our frequently used Pegasus mapper. Our mapping tool helps our team and clients assess defects and monitor ageing infrastructure, via conducting regular (e.g. biannual) surveys to provide insights into infrastructure conditions. 

The Pegasus mapper is particularly valuable for surveyors and inspectors working in live traffic, as it saves time and removes the risk of vehicle and pedestrian interface. With the insight provided by the Mobile Mapper we can then provide options to extend the life of significant airport infrastructure. 

George notes that, “Having bespoke products like Enviroshield and Rhinophalt provides valuable mid-life surface treatments to resist general wear and UV aging which is often the biggest challenge for asphalt in the airside environment. Extending the life of existing asphalt pavement is by far the lowest carbon option for any of our clients.”

One Stop Shop contract delivery

"Our ability to bring Downer’s diverse capabilities together enables us to offer integrated services that cover every component of an airport's infrastructure," George shares. 

As many airports expand their sites and operations, the integration of utilities and services upgrades becomes crucial to effective project delivery and outcomes. As one of the leading Utilities providers across Australasia we can readily incorporate our in-house expertise into wider project delivery. 

Additionally, we bring broader sustainability considerations into our project solutions, using our experience in energy harvesting, and in assessing and reducing carbon footprint impacts. This approach meets operational needs while also aligning to wider sustainability goals, fostering a responsible and environmentally conscious framework for project delivery.

Finally, we offer proven ability to deliver projects in remote areas with challenging logistical requirements – whether it’s Alice Springs Airport or one of the many Pacific nations we work in. We have a track record of bringing our teams, specialist gear, methodologies and products together to deliver to the same high standard regardless of location.

 A vision for the future

George sets a visionary course for Downer’s future with airports. Fostering strong relationships, embracing technological advancements, and continuing to develop our people with a focus on airports project delivery is one of the most challenging and rewarding areas of our Downer business. 

As George puts it, "Our role is to support the sector’s growth while maintaining airport assets. By using our trans-Tasman capabilities, we deliver service and innovation that is second to none."

Downer is committed to continuing a legacy of excellence in airport infrastructure and maintenance delivery, providing world-class solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and the industry.

Read more about T&I’s Airport offering here, and more about Auckland Airport’s new Domestic Jet Terminal here.