Kier included in new British Airways building upgrades framework

Tier one contractor Kier has been named on British Airways’ newly established framework to deliver upgrades across the airline’s estate.

The framework runs for an initial three-year term with an option to extend for a further two years. It forms part of British Airways’ multimillion-pound Better Buildings programme to modernise and future-proof the airline’s estate, according to Construction News’ sister magazine New Civil Engineer.

Kier’s scope of planned work includes improvements at British Airways’ Operations East and West bases at Heathrow (pictured), such as aircraft stand refurbishments, lighting upgrades, road and drainage repairs and other remedial works.

Better Buildings also covers more substantial interventions, including hangar conversions to accommodate different aircraft types, upgrades to docking and ‘nose in’ facilities and infrastructure work on technical blocks – for example glazing and cladding replacement.

Cargo buildings are also flagged for roof, glazing and cladding upgrades.

British Airways said the programme aims to create “fit-for-purpose and inspirational” working environments, increase building resilience, improve energy efficiency and sustainability and support the entry into service of new aircraft types expected from 2028/29.

Airports and airlines have been investing in groundside infrastructure in recent years to cope with rising passenger numbers, fleet renewal and tightening environmental standards.

Upgrades to hangars, stands and technical facilities are a common part of those programmes because new-generation aircraft can require different docking, power and maintenance arrangements compared with older types.

Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport and home to British Airways’ largest base, has been the focus of major capital projects for operators serving long-haul and short-haul fleets.

Contractors appointed to frameworks such as this are typically used on a call-off basis, bidding for specific packages as works are scheduled, which can provide a steady pipeline of projects for the winning firms.

Mandy Duncan, managing director of rail and aviation at Kier Infrastructure, said: “We are exceptionally pleased to be working with British Airways to support its Better Buildings programme and collaborative framework.

“As the portfolio covers the depth and breadth of what Kier has to offer, it really has been about bringing our Kier 360 approach in our offering to British Airways.

“We will be working with teams from across the group to deliver works as the portfolio develops. British Airways is a key client for us in the aviation space and there are very exciting times ahead.”