Airport infrastructure services

Airport infrastructure must maintain high standards of safety, convenience, and efficiency to remain competitive. Due to the rising demand for air travel and environmental awareness among travellers, airport sustainability is also becoming important. Airport infrastructure must demonstrate sustainable operations, such as responsible energy consumption. Advanced technologies are being integrated into airports to enhance operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and safety.

As a result of these multiple factors, this sector is highly regulated, with strict requirements for compliance, operational efficiency, and safety. The sector involves multiple stakeholders, including airport authorities, developers, and equipment manufacturers, who must navigate a complex maze of standards and regulatory compliance throughout the airport’s lifecycle.

TÜV SÜD’s airport infrastructure services provide assurance in planning, building, and operating efficient airport systems.

Proper planning, regulatory compliance, and innovative infrastructure solutions help airport stakeholders reduce risks, avoid costly delays, and meet growing passenger expectations.

Ensuring consistent safety and preventing system breakdowns are crucial for maintaining airport reliability and avoiding disruptions that can lead to reputational damage. Faulty systems or inefficient operations can lead to passenger dissatisfaction and increased maintenance costs.

Another benefit of comprehensive airport infrastructure services is the reduction of high administrative and operational costs. Managing complex installations and infrastructure can be expensive, but this can be overcome with customised solutions and the ability to avoid unplanned expenses.

Regulatory compliance is yet another factor to keep in mind. Compliance with a wide range of national and international regulations is required at every stage of airport construction and operation. Our services can facilitate smooth compliance and help keep passengers safe.

TÜV SÜD is a trusted, independent third-party solutions provider with a strong reputation and acceptance in the global aviation sector.

Our global experience spans multiple high-profile airport projects worldwide, including in Germany, Switzerland, and the UAE. We bring in-depth experience in dealing with the latest international standards and statutory regulations.

From mechanical systems and airfield lighting to airport risk management assessments and fire safety, TÜV SÜD offers comprehensive services to support airport stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle.

We offer infrastructure assessment solutions, airport planning and design services, construction and completion services, and operation and maintenance services.

Infrastructure assessment solutions

We assess the following airport infrastructure for their safety and efficiency:

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems

• General and emergency power supply.
• Airfield and building lighting systems.
• Signaling systems and airfield marking.
• HVAC systems.
• Radio systems for authorities and organisations with safety tasks.
• Building services automation systems.
• Lightning and surge protection systems.

Lifts and hoisting machines

• Lifts, escalators and moving walkways.
• Passenger boarding bridges.
• Suspended access equipment.
• Cranes and hoisting equipment.
• Power-driven doors and gates.
• Car parking systems.

Fire and security

• Fire safety and smoke and heat extraction systems.
• Fire extinguishing systems.
• Fire shutters, fire barriers, fire-resistant compartments.
• Area security monitoring systems.
• Fire alarm and CO alarm systems.
• Evacuation concepts, evacuation plans, emergency action plans.
• Safety and escape lightning, emergency power supply.

Equipment and engineering structures

• Tunnels.
• Terminals and towers (including roofing systems).
• Hangars and equipment.
• Baggage conveyor systems.
• Luggage x-ray machines.
• Airfield refueling facilities.
• Cathodic corrosion protection.
• Test benches.
• De-icing systems.

Airport planning and design services

Tendering support and design review – TÜV SÜD conducts feasibility studies and provides administrative approval and airport planning management support for airport authorities and developers during the planning stage. We review tender documentation and design plans for the building and its technical installations, and produce FEM and CFD simulations of airport buildings, hangars and equipment.

Airport risk management – We offer IT security solutions, risk analyses and disaster recovery of information. This includes safety and security assessment of air traffic control systems, air traffic density, air crash frequencies, landing and start frequencies, and renovation and expansion projects.

Airport sustainability and environmental services – TÜV SÜD provides comprehensive services addressing the sustainability of all aspects of airport infrastructure. We produce expert reports on environmental impact assessments and CO2 emissions, as well as solutions for meeting environmental legal requirements. Our suite of energy efficiency services includes advisory, energy consumption assessment, energy modelling and simulation.

Construction and completion services

Construction monitoring – Our engineering experts provide on-site advisory during the construction of airports and the fitting of their interior building systems and equipment, including construction monitoring, quality assurance, safety analyses and assessments, and construction site safety.

Technical audit of installed systems – TÜV SÜD performs independent technical audits to ensure that installations comply with design specifications and industry best practices. We review design drawings, provide test parameters, review testing and commissioning documentation, and perform tests and on-site inspections for quality assurance. Our expert reports address design and technical compliance, as well as any identified deficiencies and recommendations.

Testing and inspection of technical installations – We conduct safety analysis and assessment of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations, and work with you to optimise the design of all technical systems. TÜV SÜD also provides services for lab testing, type testing and final acceptance testing of technical installations and components, and lifecycle functional safety assessment. We test several products and types of equipment in accordance with international directives and standards.

Green building services – Our services cover energy rating certification, as well as facilitation for green building certification based on international sustainability rating systems (e.g., BREEAM and LEED).

Operation and maintenance services

Operation and maintenance support – Our experts offer periodic inspection and testing for the effectiveness and operational safety of building services and installation equipment. Beyond conducting health and safety training for your team of airport personnel, we can provide a fire safety coordinator and a pollution control officer.

Certification and validation – TÜV SÜD is accredited to certify your airport operations to several international airport management systems and provides system evaluations for LBA (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification.