How Modular Can Help with Airport Expansion

As you begin to look at airport expansion, there are multiple areas to analyze. These expansions should be as seamless as possible, and that’s where customizable modular structures come in. You can expand the following areas with minimal interruptions. 

• Baggage Claims. Especially in smaller airports with limited baggage claim carousels, modular structures can add additional carousels. That way passengers experience a more efficient process in the airport.

• Waiting Areas. Attach a modular structure to allow for a more spacious waiting area and an overall better traveler experience. 

• Terminals. Prefabricated structures are becoming essential features for airports not only looking to renovate existing terminals but also to build new ones. 

• Runways. As you expand your runway, use a modular office for those working on the expansion to discuss and organize plans, or so they can take a break in a quieter, more comfortable area. 

• Hangar Office. Keep your aircraft in top condition by expanding your hangar office to have a proper space for repair and maintenance. 

Administrative or Security Office. It’s essential to your airport’s success to have an established office for planning or overseeing your airport’s operations.

What are pre-engineered buildings? How are they different from prefabricated buildings? Typically, a pre-engineered building refers to a metal structure that has its specifications laid out in advance.

This is very similar to a prefabricated structure, where the blueprint and specifications are planned out before the building process begins. But prefabricated buildings take it one step further and are constructed in a controlled environment, for a more seamless operation. 

For airports, this efficiency is crucial because the more disruptions you have in your airport expansion, the more revenue you will lose. With a prefabricated building, you won’t have to close areas of your airport during the process and disrupt your passenger’s experience.

Modular construction is extremely beneficial, especially for the aviation industry. Although modular is not commonly used within the aviation industry, these advantages may change your perspective for your next project.

One of the biggest challenges for airport expansion is finding the time to do it. There won’t always be a global pandemic to slow travel rates. And going the conventional construction route could potentially mean losing revenue since you have to shut down terminals, gates, or runways.

As mentioned earlier, we don’t expect your airport to shut down during construction. We understand it’s crucial for your airport to have few disruptions during your expansion process. Modular structures are assembled in a factory setting and shipped to you ready to go.

If you’re looking to expand your terminal, waiting area, or baggage claim with a modular structure, you can customize the space, so it matches your aesthetics and keeps travelers comfortable while they wait. And you can further enhance the experience by adding portable restrooms throughout the expansion. 

Using portable facilities doesn’t mean they should look like they don’t belong. Having a cohesive, comfortable space for travelers to use will allow for an easy flow of traffic when travelers are looking for their luggage, waiting for their flight, or searching for a restroom.

With air travel profits still recovering, modular gives you a cost-effective, efficient solution to work through expansions and remodels. Our buildings can be made in half the time compared to conventional construction, so you can save money on labor and processes. 

For additional savings, opt for leasing and finance your building for lower payments. When you aren’t exactly sure how long you need a space for, especially if you are planning runway or hangar office expansion, you can lease a modular building and pay a monthly rate. 

Often our lease term is between one to three years but can be renewed an unlimited number of times. This gives your airport the flexibility to take advantage of a modular structure for as long as you see fit.

Your modular structure will meet all requirements given by the Federal Aviation Administration as well as local or state building codes. With minimal construction on the job site, you won’t need as many workers to have security clearances or be monitored which reduces the risk of error. 

Using modular construction is especially beneficial in a smaller airport design. You want to continue to maximize your entire space and be able to expand without the fear of losing customers. Between site layout, construction, and on-site equipment, a conventional process takes up a lot of valuable space. 

The modular process looks at your budgets and needs and creates a space to maximize your success. At Boxx Modular, we will highlight all major milestones within the schedule that will keep us on track and avoid delays.

The process of constructing a modular building reduces energy by approximately 67%. You also have the opportunity to relocate or “recycle” your building to adapt to your needs during your airport expansion. 

For example, if you’re looking for a temporary administrative office while the permanent one is being expanded, you can use modular. After this project is complete, you could decide to use the same modular building as a breakroom for employees during the expansion of your runways. Even if you pursue a new, customizable structure, modular is still a leader in green building practices and sustainability.

If applicable, you can also opt to purchase a used modular building. We recommend this for security or administrative offices that don’t have to be customized to fit your traveler’s needs.