Aecon, Bermuda Skyport, the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the Bermuda Airport Authority are pleased to announce that Substantial Completion has been achieved on Bermuda’s new Airport Terminal Facility at the LF Wade International Airport.
“Completing construction on this critical infrastructure project is a remarkable accomplishment and we thank the Government of Bermuda, the Canadian Commercial Corporation, our lenders and all the individuals that have contributed to this success,” said Steve Nackan, President, Aecon Concessions – the project’s developer and financier.
The new, purpose-built Airport Terminal will officially open for operations on December 9, 2020. Spanning 288,000 square feet, the new facility will provide for improved passenger processing; increased passenger capacity; greater resilience to extreme weather conditions; modern amenities and infrastructure; greater energy efficiencies; enhanced security; enhanced specialty retail and food/beverage outlets; and covered, passenger jet bridges.
“The Bermuda Airport Authority, as the owner of the LF Wade International Airport, is very pleased this complex project has achieved substantial completion in a year that has had many challenges. The Authority appreciates the hard work and collaboration by all those involved in the project including the Airport Authority’s team and technical advisor, Stantec, Skyport, Aecon, CCC, construction workers and Government Stakeholders,” said Lester Nelson, CEO, Bermuda Airport Authority.
The new terminal will also enable Bermuda to comply with the latest, most-advanced U.S. facility requirements for Pre-Clearance. Pre-Clearance allows for U.S. bound passengers to clear U.S. Customs and Immigration in Bermuda, instead of on arrival in the U.S. where longer lines often exist. This service is extremely beneficial to passengers and provides Bermuda with a competitive advantage when seeking new air services to and from the United States.
There were 885 Bermudians who worked on the site over the course of the airport redevelopment project, which began in March 2017 and a total of 1.6 million construction manhours. Additionally, the project engaged almost 400 Bermudian companies, vendors and suppliers in what became an extraordinary collaboration of local and international efforts.
“The Aecon team is proud to have worked alongside so many talented Bermudians to deliver this world-class airport for Bermuda. We are a proud investor in Bermuda – in this critical infrastructure project, but also through ongoing social investments to positively impact Bermuda’s economy,” said Nackan.
Aaron Adderley, President, Bermuda Skyport, applauded the commitment and resiliency of the construction team over the duration of the project.
“Achieving this milestone would not have been possible without the dedicated construction personnel who have proudly and tirelessly worked on the site for the past three and a half years and to whom we extend our sincere appreciation. Over the past six months, the workforce, a majority of which were Bermudian, remained focused even during a global pandemic and two hurricanes. The near $300 million terminal, built with expert craftmanship, by Bermudians and owned by Bermudians, will help foster an enhanced traveller experience for generations to come.”
Ernie Briard, Interim President & CEO, CCC, highlighted the important partnership between Canada and Bermuda.
“This is an important milestone in the shared history between our two countries. We are grateful to the people of Bermuda and the Bermuda Airport Authority for placing their trust in Aecon and CCC. The people of Bermuda will soon have a modern international airport that reflects their identity and their aspirations for economic prosperity. The Government of Canada, through CCC, is extremely proud to have partnered with the Government of Bermuda in this critical infrastructure endeavour, and we know that our friendship has been formidably strengthened throughout this project.”
The completion – a critical milestone – signals the handover of the building from Aecon Airport Constructors Ltd to Bermuda Skyport for the next phase to begin this month which includes operational trials and testing of integrated airport systems to ensure the facility is ready to welcome passengers for opening day.
Aecon Concessions provides project development, financing, investment and management services – integrating the services of all project participants and harnessing the many strengths and capabilities of Aecon. Bermuda Skyport Corporation Limited is a special-purpose Bermudian company wholly owned by Aecon Concessions. Skyport is responsible for the LF Wade International Airport’s operations, maintenance and commercial functions. Skyport also manages the delivery of the redevelopment project over a 30-year concession term and is overseeing the construction of a new terminal.
The new airport terminal is targeted for completion in 2020. For more information, please visit www.bermudaairport.com.