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A new terminal designed after the “traveller’s palm” (the ravenala palm), a tropical plant that grows on Mauritius Island |
MAURITIUS. ADPM and ADPI, Aéroports de Paris’ international subsidiaries, are to develop and manage Mauritius international airport’s new terminal, the Paris airport group announced today.
In response to tourism growth forecasts for Mauritius Island, the Mauritian authorities are to expand Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by creating a new terminal, connected to the existing one, with a 4 million passenger per year capacity.
ADPM (Aéroports de Paris Management) has been selected to finance, build and manage the new terminal jointly with the Mauritian public company AML (Airport of Mauritius Ltd). ADPM has also signed a technical assistance contract to implement the new terminal project, then to ensure the commissioning and management of the terminal for a three-year period after its opening.
ADPI (Aéroports de Paris Engineering) will carry out the design and engineering of the new terminal and its surrounding area. ADPI has also signed a two-year supervision contract for the construction of the new terminal and associated infrastructure.
“With its architecture, its interior design and the quality of service offered, this new terminal will offer travellers an unforgettable experience of their trip to Mauritius Island,” said Aéroports de Paris in a statement.
“The traveller’s palm” adapted to the airport
The architectural concept will take after the image of “the traveller’s palm” (the ravenala palm), a tropical plant that grows on Mauritius Island. Travellers will walk under the “palms” of this tree to reach the boarding lounges, which will offer a wide view over the Mauritian mountains and the Blue Bay lagoon.
As a tribute to “the land of seven colours”, located in the south-west of the island, the terminal will put “a great
emphasis on colour all along the passenger’s circuit”, the Paris operator said.
The quality of service, for tourists as well as for Mauritian travellers and their meeters and greeters, is said to be at the heart of the terminal design with:
– areas dedicated to collect or see off tourists on both levels of the terminal;
– landscaped and luminous passengers’ circuits;
– less than 100 metres distance between check-in and boarding;
– arcades and public terraces ensuring a permanent visual contact between passengers and their meeters and greeters, while complying with security requirements.
“Through a modern and colourful architecture, this new terminal will promote the identity and the welcoming image of Mauritius Island,” said Aéroports de Paris.
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The design of the terminal is linked to the ‘Mauritius sustainable island’ concept. Solar energy will be used, and rain water will be collected for the patios and sanitary blocks. The facades will be thermo-insulated to reduce heat | |
A strong environmental dimension
“The design of the terminal is closely linked to the ‘Mauritius sustainable island’ concept,” explained Alain Davy, the architect. “Hence, photovoltaic panels installed on the glass canopies at the entrance of the terminal will use solar energy and rain water will be collected and used for the patios and sanitary blocks. Also, the building facades will be thermo-insulated to reduce the heat.”
Nature will also be present around and inside the airport: indoor patios planted with trees, vertical tropical gardens and water walls will be at the heart of the terminal.
Key figures for the new terminal at Mauritius’ Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport:
– Capacity: 4 million passengers (1,640 passengers per hour at peak times)
– New surface area: 57,000sq m
– 8 contact stands, of which one is A380-compatible
– 52 check-in desks
– 6 baggage claim carousels
– 9 telescopic airbridges.
About ADPM and ADPI
Aéroports de Paris Management (ADPM), established in 1990, is a 100% subsidiary of Aéroports de Paris Group dedicated to airport management and investments in airport management companies. Jean-Marie Chevalier is the Chief Executive Officer of ADPM.
ADPI, established in 2000, is a subsidiary of Aéroports de Paris Group. It provides design, architecture and engineering services as well as project management support. Patrice Hardel is ADPI’s Chairman of the Board and Alain Le Pajolec is ADPI’s CEO.
About Aéroports de Paris
Aéroports de Paris builds, develops and manages airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Paris Le Bourget. Aéroports de Paris is Europe’s second-largest airport services group in terms of airport revenues and the European leader for cargo and mail. Aéroports de Paris serves nearly 460 airlines.
The group is pursuing its strategy of modernising its terminal facilities and upgrading service quality, and also intends to develop its retail and real estate business. In 2008, Aéroports de Paris Group had revenues of €2,527 million, and the company handled 87.1 million passengers.
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