Watpac Limited (ASX: WTP) has finalised a $42 million design and construct contract to undertake a major expansion of Darwin International Airport.

Works will commence in April following completion of the design development phase.

The Darwin International Airport Terminal Expansion project will involve the expansion of the domestic and international terminals and deliver additional departure gate lounge areas and security screening zones, new office and retail areas, and improved baggage systems.

It will greatly enhance the airport’s capacity and facilitate improved passenger amenities, delivering expanded check‐in, security, emigration and immigration facilities.

The project would be delivered by a combination of experienced Watpac project staff and local sub‐contractors. It is is scheduled for completion in mid‐2014.

Darwin International Airport Terminal Building was constructed and opened in 1991 under the control of the Federal Airports Corporation and has received only minor expansion and capacity increases since then.

However, with the growth of low cost carriers in the Australian market, the emergence of the Asian market for tourism and an increasing resource industry requiring Fly‐In Fly‐Out (FIFO) operations, there has been significant passenger growth at Darwin International Airport.

This project is Watpac Construction’s first in the Northern Territory and forms part of the company’s strategy to expand its core construction business into new operating regions.

It follows the recent completion of the $75 million Adelaide Airport Landside Infrastructure Project that achieved practical completion last month with zero lost time injuries.

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