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In September 2008, professional services company, Electrical Engineering Solutions (EES), was awarded the contract to project manage the implementation of Cape Town International Airport’s intelligent backbone, which includes all the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services at the new integrated terminal at the airport. This is to be completed before the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
Integral to this is project managing and implementing all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services at the new integrated terminal at the airport.
The project is on schedule, and the main terminal which involves integrating the domestic and international terminals to streamline operations, boost efficiency and enhance travelers’ airport experience, will be ready before 5 December in time to welcome visitors to the World Cup draw. This event is expected to attract people and press in droves, in numbers far exceeding those that travelled to Cape Town for the entire 1995 World Cup.
The project involves about 25 systems providing services to about 120 stakeholders such as airlines, retailers, network operators and government agencies. Many of the government agencies operate within stringent security systems. Managing the access and activities of various contractors and suppliers on the premises requires specialised skills and controls.
“Airports are extremely complex facilities. Rebuilding one around an operating infrastructure without affecting operations is exceptionally challenging”, says Bradley Hemphill, Managing Director of EES.
“I don’t think the customers using the airport are aware of the project management skill that goes in to minimizing the disruption to the services they need. They are aware of the building currently going around them and may be inconvenienced by the noise and mess, but nevertheless their experience in the terminal is operationally the same, albeit with minor discomfort.”
The major challenge at the airport is that the implementation of the ICT services happens in a live, continuously operating environment, and it must be done without disruption of services to stakeholders. Any interruption would further aggravate the inconvenience of the current renovations.
The efficiency with which the airport’s rebuild is happening is testament to the teamwork being carried out by all the construction and engineering professional teams on site.
“It’s a privilege for us to play a leading part in this project,” Hemphill concludes. |
