Cardiff: Infrastructure & Construction Updates

[Jerry]

I imagine that these won't be a quick five minute job to install.

First they will have to remove the old airbridge, then take away the old supports, level the ground then tarmac it over to make it smooth.

Then they will have to install the new airbridge and test it as it should be fully drivable if I'm thinking of the correct design.

Sounds like that could possibly take at least a weekend or maybe even 2.

 

[Jerry]

According to a post by Chris Gronow on WAF the airbridge on stand 7 will probably be taken down on Monday now because of high winds forecasted on Thursday.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

I heard it should have been tomorrow the crane was booked. I know wind is due to die down tomorrow but not certain what the limits are for crane operations.

 

[Jerry]

For a mobile crane the max wind is 22mph. I'm hoping it'll be removed tomorrow so I can get a photo!

 

[Chris Gronow]

Yes the crane has been re-scheduled for Monday as they were concerned about the forecast wind speeds today which appear to have died down anyway.

 

[Jerry]

Apparently removal of the bridge on stand 7 has been underway the last 2 days i believe with stands 3 and 7 closed off for the crane. Hopefully it won't be that long until one of the new airbridges is installed.

 

[Jerry]

Looks like a firm called Powell interiors are doing the building work at CWL.
https://twitter.com/powell_interior...y|twsrc^android|twgr^copy|twcon^7090|twterm^2

 

[Jerry]

The new Costa Coffee is now open in departures!
https://twitter.com/Cardiff_Airport/status/956521181162754049

 

[Jerry]

It's been posted on WAF that it is believed that only the airbridge on stand 7 will be replaced this year and that the other one won't be installed till next year.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

I have been advised there is only two airbridges being replaced at the moment. Airbridge 7 will be completed around the French Airlift with Airbridge 9 next replaced next winter with a date TBA.

 

[Jerry]

Must be a lot of work to do to install these airbridges as the French airlift is in March and with some widebodies due in for that and before that I'd have thought they'd want it installed by then.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

I would imagine the primary objective is to have these fully operational by the arrival of Qatar.

Not only the airbridges have to be removed. There has to be ground preparation work to ensure the drivable airbridge gab be driven. (So knowck down the block it is seated on and then smooth the ground with concrete/tarmack.

Then I imagine no parking lines will need to be painted to ensure there is no ground incident.

New airbridge will then need to be installed and all staff trained to use it as it will be different to the old airbridge to operate plus can do significantly more damage.

Considering we have lost 4 days already due to wind the current airbridge hasn't been fully removed yet so I imagine some time has been factored in.

 

[Jerry]

In the linked tweet there is some photos of the new Costa coffee. Looks like it has its own seating area as well.
https://twitter.com/pip_says/status...y|twsrc^android|twgr^copy|twcon^7090|twterm^2

 

[Jerry]

Some more photos in this tweet.
https://twitter.com/ExploreWithEd/s...y|twsrc^android|twgr^copy|twcon^7090|twterm^2

 

[CWL94]

With WH Smith being moved from its current location in the departure lounge, does any one know if another retail outlet will open up there or will it be knocked down and used for more seating?

 

[Jerry]

I don't think there was anything else planned. Pretty sure the area will be extra seating while WH Smith will be moved and expanded. There is to be an expanded product range in WH Smith with the addition of the Well pharmacy products but i don't think it will get it's own unit.
https://www.cardiff-airport.com/news/2017/10/11/terminal-and-car-park-investment-unveiled/

 

[aviatorconcorde]

Would their be any potential to extend the terminal out into the culdusac?

While some parking may be lost, you would certainly gain a lot of space. I’ve not been flying out of CWL peak summer for a while, but the last time I flew was this month, and I was shocked how busy it was for a January sunday morning. Mind you the CDG, DUB and I think TXL were all due out.

 

[Jerry]

Welcome to Forums4Airports @aviatorconcorde, the building itself won't be extended but there is room on the departure floor and the new revamp will open up that space expanding the departure lounge with a bigger WH Smith and a new Costa coffee outlet and more seating in the departure area.

 

[aviatorconcorde]

Welcome to Forums4Airports @aviatorconcorde, the building itself won't be extended but there is room on the departure floor and the new revamp will open up that space expanding the departure lounge with a bigger WH Smith and a new Costa coffee outlet and more seating in the departure area.

Thanks jerry - I have engaged with you on airliners.net so we have had internet contact before!

 

[Jerry]

Was down the airport today so took some photos of the airbridge on stand 7.
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