New Zealand: Auckland Airport uses lull in flights to start runway project

Auckland Airport has confirmed plans for a second major maintenance project on its runway, again taking advantage of the reduction in the number of flights brought about by Covid-19. The company's general manager infrastructure, Andre Lovatt, said the new project would involve the replacement of 81 slabs at the western end of the runway, meaning the runway will be shortened for a second time. In the earlier 12-week runway project, which was successfully completed in August, 280 slabs were replaced at the eastern end. "The first slab-replacement programme was a great success, and we're continuing to get ahead of planned maintenance by bringing forward other important work on our runway," he said. "Our organisation has been significantly affected by Covid-19, but the downturn in aviation traffic has also created opportunities for us to carry out runway works with minimal disruption to airlines, to ensure the ongoing safety and efficiency of our airfield," said Lovatt. The runway will be shortened by 990m at the western end for the duration of the works, known as a "displaced threshold". This allows runway works to be carried out safely while the runway remains open. About 14,000 flights are expected to use the shortened runway during the eight-week programme of works, around half the number from the same period last year. A 150-strong construction team would be working on the project, which starts on November 5 and is scheduled for completion at the end of the year.<br/>