Reston, Virginia-based Bechtel, one of the largest contractors in the U.S. by revenue, managed the design and construction of the new $5.3 billion Australian dollar ($3.5 billion) Western Sydney International Airport, and delivered the megaproject almost seven months early, according to a June 26 news release from the builder.
The project is Australia’s first international, greenfield airport in over 50 years, according to the release. Bechtel, which has worked on the project since 2018, was responsible for finding and managing contractors for duties that included earthworks, terminal, runway, landside and technology work.
“This project epitomizes the schedule and budget benefits that come with a fit-for-purpose delivery model with clear roles and accountability,” said Darren Mort, president of Bechtel’s infrastructure business, in the release.
The fit for purpose model ensures that a structure fulfills its intended operational purpose, according to Mastt, a construction project management software provider based in Sydney. A well-crafted fit for purpose clause can prevent disputes, clarify expectations and ensure accountability, according to the Mastt blog.
The scope of work included a new terminal that measures 82,000 square meters (882,640 square feet), as well as internal roads, bridges, car parks, utilities, connections to the Sydney Metro and the M12 motorway and a runway that totals 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) in length, per the news release.
Bechtel is still conducting work to prepare the airport for opening, ahead of the operational readiness and airport transfer program beginning later this year, according to the builder. The airport will open in 2026, according to its website and is expected to handle up to 10 million passengers in its first year.
