Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) in Canada has started construction on a 96,000ft² Ground Services Equipment (GSE) building to boost operational efficiency.
WAA, which operates and manages the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, will spend nearly C$27m ($20.31m) to construct the multi-use building.
The new facility will provide operating space to ground handling, commissary and cargo companies adjacent to the terminal.
The building will accommodate existing tenants in the cargo campus, while the vacated space in the cargo area is set to be redeveloped.
Upon becoming operational, the new building will provide tenants secure access to airside operations at the airport.
The space will house ‘tugs’ that are used for towing and repositioning aeroplanes, belt loaders that are used to load baggage and cargo, as well as refrigeration trucks that are used to load food in planes.
WAA president and CEO Barry Rempel said: “WAA continues to redevelop our airport to meet the needs of travellers, airlines and tenants.
“Today’s announcement begins another stage of development for the airport campus, allowing us to make better use of our space to serve current tenants, attract new tenants and to continue to create jobs and drive the economy.
“The world is more and more connected every day, and for Winnipeg to fulfil its potential on the global stage we must have the infrastructure in place to compete. Today’s investment is another step in realising the vision of Winnipeg as an airport city.”
Besides providing C$3.4bn ($2.55bn) in economic support, the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport also supports more than 17,000 jobs.
