Last decade, it became apparent that, due to steadily growing passenger numbers and the impending arrival of larger aircraft, Auckland Airport’s international terminal was struggling to cope. Increasing numbers of passengers needed to be bussed to and from their aircraft due to a lack of available gates at the terminal building.

The solution to this challenge came in the form of the new Pier B building, constructed by Hawkins, which aimed to achieve the following goals:

Pier B was designed to be expandable to keep pace with future needs, ultimately housing twelve gates and ten A380 Airbus or Boeing 787 Dreamliners at one time. As part of this expansion, the Pier B bussing lounge was commissioned to provide a modern, comfortable hub for the increasing numbers of international passengers to connect with their flights.

DGE was originally involved with Pier B Electrical Services when, in line with the building’s energy-saving focus, we installed a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system on the roof to harvest solar energy and convert it to electricity, which is used to heat the water in the building’s toilet blocks. We were re-engaged during the bussing lounge project to provide a wide range of electrical services including generator works, distribution board, lighting and power. Our experience and service quality in this area is helping Auckland Airport continue to meet the growing needs of both its customers and the airlines that it hosts.