The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has completed an
£8.9 million project to resurface the alpha loop at Mount
Pleasant Complex airfield on the Falkland Islands.
The loop is part of the taxiway system which allows aircraft to
move to and from the runways. DIO worked with contractor Mitie
and British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) staff to
facilitate the landmark delivery of the project.
The work progressed rapidly from concept to delivery within one
financial year, having been initiated due to the degradation of
the previous surface. If left untreated, it would eventually have
threatened closure of the airbridge from the UK.
The logistical challenge was significant. The team needed to
transport an entire concrete batching plant and vast amounts of
heavy plant equipment over 8,000 miles from the UK to the
Falkland Islands, an extraordinary achievement given the
timeframe and challenging weather conditions. The team completed
the 9,400m2 resurfacing project in less than a
month, removing 3,500 tonnes of concrete, initially laid 40 years
ago, and replacing it with stone mastic asphalt.
Maj Dan Ellis, Project Manager, commented:
Having been set up for success by my predecessor Major James
Grant, seeing through the delivery of this project has been a
tremendous privilege and great professional learning experience.
Working closely with DIO and Mount Pleasant Complex staff, as
well as with Mitie Defence and their sub-contractors has been the
key to success. The speedy delivery of the Alpha Loop project
should now serve as a showcase example of what can be achieved.
Charlie Antelme, Managing Director, Defence, Mitie, said:
Our refurbishment of the Alpha Loop taxiway system at the Mount
Pleasant Complex in The Falklands will support the critical
operations on-site for years to come, following the success of
our resurfacing project on the runway last year.
Our essential work on this project will allow aircraft to move
safely across runways, and will support a seamless process for
aircraft landing and taking off at the airfield. We're incredibly
proud of the team for their swift and professional completion of
this complex task and their continued support of our Armed Forces
overseas.
Main contractors Mitie, and subcontractors Dyer & Butler and
Associated Asphalt, worked through challenging conditions and
used local companies where possible, supporting the Falkland
Islands' economy.
The first aircraft used the newly resurfaced Alpha Loop the same
day it was finished.
