BESIX Watpac selected as Principal Contractor for Airservices Australia’s Air Traffic Control Tower Modernisation Project

BESIX Watpac has been appointed as the Principal Contractor for the modernisation, upgrade, and life extension of Airservices Australia’s (Airservices) Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Air Traffic Control Tower.

The commencement of construction marks a significant milestone for the air traffic control tower which originally began operations in 1996. Upgrade works will progress in stages through to 2025, adding two decades to the lifespan of the facility.

Under the purview of the Airservices Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Life Extension (LEX) project, BESIX Watpac will undertake infrastructure upgrades to enhance the condition and longevity of the facility which houses critical air traffic management services for one of Australia’s busiest airports.

Key elements of the project include the upgrade of existing building systems, construction of a new services building, enhancement of security infrastructure, civil works, amenities, and landscaping.

These improvements are designed not only to modernise the infrastructure but also provide a contemporary and ergonomic operating environment for air traffic controllers.

Mark Baker, CEO of BESIX Watpac, expressed his delight at securing the contract, emphasising the company’s extensive experience in complex projects including airport infrastructure.

“We are proud to bring our specialised expertise to the Airservices Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Life Extension project”, Mr Baker said.

“With a proven track record in delivering exceptional airport infrastructure, we are committed to ensuring the success of this critical project for Airservices Australia.”

With a portfolio that includes major airport terminal expansions in Adelaide and Darwin, upgrades at Brisbane Airport, and the successful delivery of the Western Sydney International Experience Centre, BESIX Watpac has demonstrated its capability to undertake complex and high-profile projects within the highly secure aviation sector.

Mr Baker highlighted the importance of collaboration with delivery partners, underscoring BESIX Watpac’s commitment to excellence in project execution.

“Collaboration is at the heart of our approach – we recognise the significance of working closely with all stakeholders to deliver the best possible project outcomes,” he stated.

Greg Houghton, Airservices Australia Acting Head of Transformation OneSKY and Aerospace, said the upgrades would add 15 to 20 years of life to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport’s air traffic control tower.

“Beyond sustaining our bricks and mortar assets, this upgrade enables us to modernise our facilities to provide a more contemporary workspace for the team of people who keep the travelling public safe every day.

“Rest assured that the upgrade works will be largely unnoticed by air travellers. Aircraft will continue to be guided safely to and from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport by our dedicated team of air traffic controllers throughout the upgrade.”