Planning for the future

By NACO

NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V. (NACO) is an independent firm of airport consultants, economists, architects, planners, and civil engineers, founded in 1949 with the aim of providing specialist knowledge and services through the complete spectrum of airport development. With more than 55 years of worldwide experience at more than 500 airports, we enjoy an undisputable reputation as one of the world’s leading airport consultancy firms.

NACO is unique in offering integrated full-service planning and design services covering a wide range of disciplines which include:

• airport economics
• financial feasibility analysis
• air traffic forecasting
• master planning and land use planning
• airside and landside infrastructure
• functional terminal lay-out planning
• passenger flow simulation studies
• noise modelling
• planning and design of terminal buildings and related facilities
• planning and design of special systems
• airside geometry
• airport pavement and drainage design
• airfield ground lighting
• tender preparation and assistance
• design management and construction supervision.

Our synergistic approach of providing multidisciplinary teams leads to efficient planning and best design practice and is an enabler for an effective fine-tuning between the wide range of interfaces. The result of which gives a good basis for further development and investment.

Our experience in developing concepts for long-term airport development ensures an optimal integration of various airport operations. Market analysis and air traffic forecasts are translated into airport layouts that meet short-term and future capacity requirements in terms of facility and area size. Requirements related to different segments and modalities are acknowledged. Build-in flexibility secures adequate adaptations to changes in demand, due to new and unforeseen developments.

Expertise with regard to functional planning ensures that different logistic flows will be developed in close relation to each other. This results in smooth and efficient airport processes, benefiting all activities. The NACO approach is welcomed and valued by such clients as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Frankfurt International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport, and also by airport authorities, investors and contractors, and none the least by the airline companies themselves.

Excellence in terminal planning and design is based on our in-depth and benchmarked knowledge regarding the number of processors and facility sizes in relation to capacity demand and passenger flows. Our half century of hands-on knowledge in terminal design has allowed us to develop in house software to balance the various variables and to develop a thorough design solution. These solutions can be further refined with the use of the ARCport ALT software which is used to model complete airport terminals as well as more specific airport areas.

In addition to being guided by international standards (ICAO, FAA, etc.), our approach to airside planning and airside geometry is steered by functional, operational and technical principles. Short- and long-term requirements in terms of capacity and area size are taken into account, as well as requirements regarding support areas, like cargo, maintenance and other facilities.

Our philosophy regarding pavement design is defined by key aspects such as reliability, durability, efficiency and safety. Worldwide experience in a multitude of environments, together with the availability of the latest technology forms an important resource for designing the best pavement structure for specific technical requirements and local conditions. Examples of NACO’s innovative material engineering approach include the use of Polymer-Modified Asphalt. NACO has compiled comprehensive performance specifications for this high-quality asphalt, which has enhanced properties to any climate and loading condition. Furthermore, NACO has successfully used recycled old asphalt pavement, demolished concrete and brick structures to manufacture high quality cement treated base for heavy aircraft loading. This has resulted in savings of more than 30% in construction costs and a neat environmental solution for the disposal of unwanted debris.

Since 2003 NACO is a member of the DHV Group (www.dhv.com), a leading international consultancy and engineering group with more than 4,000 committed employees. Through the DHV Group NACO has local presence in some 25 countries spread over the world. NACO is also associated with Innova Aviation Consulting LCC / Washington DC, a company specialised in business consultancy services for the aviation industry.

For more information:
NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V.
T: +31 70 3446300, E: naco-haag@naco.dhv.com
www.naco.nl