Turner Completes Expansion of Cam Ranh International Airport in Vietnam

“I’m incredibly proud of the project team who dug deep to deliver this challenging project on an aggressive schedule,” said Peter Armstrong, general director of Turner’s operations in Vietnam. “It feels good to turn over our first airport in the region, and to be growing our presence and our reach in the Vietnam market,” he continued, adding that the airport is one of Turner’s first projects outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The pace was not the only challenge the team faced as they worked to deliver the terminal, noted Project Manager Vinh Anh Ha. “One of our most difficult challenges was starting construction when the design was only at the schematic stage,” he explained. “In many cases the small subcontractors selected to complete the work had little to no experience working on such a large project, under a main contractor.” So to coordinate and create buildable construction drawings, the team decided to use BIM. “That decision proved to be the right one, but because most of our subs had never worked on a BIM project before it meant we also had to run training and got buy-in from them. In the end, I think we persuaded them about the benefits of a BIM-based coordination process.”

The three-level, 50,500-square-meter expansion is designed to serve more than four million passengers a year, with further construction phases expanding that capacity to more than eight million by 2030. With a unique, undulating form, the structure takes its design inspiration from the nest of a local bird, and features a range of locally-sourced materials.
“Khanh Hoa Province has a growing manufacturing industry and a thriving fishery, and it is endowed with beautiful natural landscapes and beaches,” continued Vinh Anh, reflecting on the relationship between the local economy and the terminal project, and noting that the new terminal will be a gateway for tourism. “And of course, our success on this project also helps Turner Vietnam to diversify our portfolio, adding experience beyond the high-rise building we have done more of here.”

“More people than ever are traveling and exploring new places every year,” continued Peter, adding that he particularly appreciates aviation work because it puts Turner in a position to support that spirit of adventure. “Airports connect people to each other, and to cultural experiences and work opportunities and so much more. What could be more satisfying or meaningful than helping people get out and see the world?”

VIDEO: Click here to watch a short feature on the project: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G8WzCQbjSQ0&feature=share