King Mswati III International Airport

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Heritage Project Profile

King Mswati III International Airport

Stefanutti Stocks Eswatini participated in the construction of the premier King Mswati III International Airport for client Swaziland Ministry of Economic Planning and Development between 2009 and 2014.

Background: Stefanutti Stocks completed a large portion of the civil, building and infrastructure work at the King Mswati III International Airport. The multidisciplinary scope of works included two contracts, with Package 1 comprising the airport terminal and cargo buildings, and Package 2 comprising the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) critical buildings (fire station, control tower and air traffic services, fuel farm) and the Very- Very Important Person (VVIP) terminal. The airport was officially opened on 7 March 2014.

The Project Scope

Terminal building The terminal building was designed and constructed to accommodate a passenger flow of 740 passengers per hour. The building incorporates four lifts and four escalators that facilitate movement between six major zones. These zones include the second-floor arrivals and departures; first floor offices; ground floor departure and arrivals; and the south extension security and staff facilities. International aviation construction and technical standards were applied to all specialist systems. Airport runway The 3.6-kilometre-long, 45-metrewide runway was completed in 2010. Materials included a total of 25 000 ton of continuous grade medium, 25 000 ton of AE2 asphalt mix and 16 000 ton of BRASO (bitumen, rubber, asphalt. semi-open). The BRASO layer, which is the final overlay on the runway surface, was paved in tandem as specified by major international airports. During the airport opening event the runway was utilised by numerous airplanes of varying sizes that flew guests in from across Africa. Air traffic control The 50m-high control tower was slip formed by the Stefanutti Stocks Civils Discipline over a period of fifteen continuous days. The tower houses the avionic control equipment, a kitchen and toilet. Access is provided via a stretcher lift and a galvanised steel spiral staircase. The supporting building at the base of the tower houses essential and support services that include a stand-by generator, radar room, wire and data centre, as well as a substation and management offices. Access road This design-and-build contract was awarded in July 2009 and entailed the construction of a twelve-kilometre-long link road between the main MR3 highway and the King Mswati III International Airport. The project included the construction of a bituminous single carriage way road with two-metre-wide paved shoulders in both directions; an improved junction; a traffic circle with adjoining north and south link roads; as well as concrete drainage structures and ancillary works. The bulk of the work was undertaken in a greenfield area and construction progress was initially marred by the unforeseen record rainfalls. Fuel farm Stefanutti Stocks also constructed the fuel farm that services the airport. This scope of work included the construction of:

  • hardstands and access roads,
  • offices, control room, testing and stores building,
  • water storage and separation tanks, including foundations,
  • three foundations and three 500 000-litre storage tanks for the A1 jet fuel, and
  • fully bonded storage areas that are sealed with permanent firefighting facilities.

Fire station The fire station boasts a fire protection system, training facilities, change rooms and a gym. Its six bays accommodate fire engines, water tankers and patrol cars. The electronically controlled doors are linked to fire alarms throughout the airport facility. In the event of the main air tower control facility being rendered redundant in some way the fire station control tower can duplicate all services. An additional two buildings support the fire station with necessary power and fire protection requirements. VVIP terminal A joint venture between Inyatsi and Stefanutti Stocks constructed the complex two-storey VVIP terminal. The structure was built using concrete and steel that supports a radiused roof and sloping fascia. The terminal also provides facilities for meetings, conferences, dining, relaxation, and immigration, as well as boasting strict security features. Cumulative quantities

  • 40 500m3 concrete
  • 115 000m3 earthworks
  • 3 500ton rebar
  • 11 000m2 formwork
  • 2 100ton structural steel
  • 6 500m2 glass facade

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    Stefanutti Stocks: Eswatini

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