Infrastructure Projects Continue at Vilnius Airport with Developments of the Northern Apron and Taxiways
Construction company “Kauno tiltai” won the public procurement bid launched by SE Lithuanian Airports. The contractor will renovate several taxiways, as well as reconstruct the Northern Apron of Vilnius Airport. During the project, the pavement and engineering networks of the apron will be renewed, and that will allow to increase the effectiveness and usage of the infrastructure. Also, measures will be implemented to reduce the environmental impact created by aircraft. All works are set to be complete by the end of 2021 without interfering with the airport’s daily operations.
The total value of the project is 34 million EUR. Most of the projects listed in this infrastructure development plan is funded by the European Union.
Development of the Northern Apron
One of the key stages of this project is the reconstruction of Vilnius Airport’s Northern Apron. It includes resurfacing, new parking markings, installing new and efficient lighting, guidance and surveillance systems, a more effective drainage system. The installation of modern underground Ground Power Units (GPU) is also planned, which will enable a more convenient handling of airplanes.
After the reconstruction of the Northern Apron is complete, aircraft will generally be parked further away from residential areas. The renovation process will create five new aircraft parking stands that will be suitable also for larger airplanes. Currently, Vilnius Airport has 56 aircraft parking stands.
The reconstructed apron will enable aircraft to manoeuvre more safely. Also, the taxiing distance will be reduced which will allow to cut noise pollution and emissions of CO2. This coincides with the strategic goal of Lithuanian Airports that focuses on investment into environmental projects.
Renovation of Taxiways
The renovation project will also renovate existing and build additional taxiways which are crucial elements of the airport. Taxiways B and F will be renovated, repaved and expanded to accommodate larger aircraft.
A new taxiway Z will be built that will connect the apron with the threshold of the runway. Taxiing through the newly renovated apron will take less time, aircraft will require less manoeuvring on it and the runway, which will, in turn, reduce the occupation times of the runway. A more straightforward taxi towards the runway will be quicker and result in more flight safety.
During the works, taxiway A will be demolished. It was decided to no longer utilize taxiway A as all the before mentioned reconstruction works will change the manoeuvring patterns on the apron, making taxiway A no longer needed and its potential renovation unnecessary.
