Since opening in 1939, Birmingham airport has grown to be the UK’s seventh largest airport with 9 million passengers passing through the terminal each year and has been awarded ‘2012 Airport of the Year’in the UK’s National Transport Awards.
The airport, which has invested over £260m over the last few years, has committed to spending a further £100m to expand the airport allowing the airport infrastructure to handle flights direct to the west coast of the United States, China and South Africa.
In July 2012 a facelift of the air-side departures area was being considered after the area was becoming one that passengers moved through fairly quickly but did not take the opportunity to sit, relax and pass time awaiting departure. The existing grey carpet tiled flooring was identified as a key factor to the space appearing cold and uninviting to passengers. On behalf of Birmingham Airport, LGM Ltd of Kidderminster was asked to put forward various options to replace the flooring, LGM Ltd contacted BOEN to source a suitable hardwood floor for the departures area.
Over 2,600m2 of BOEN 14mm Oak Finale 3 strip was installed which has a board specification of 209mm wide, 2200mm long and features the new X-PRESS vertical locking system giving the installer an advantage over other systems on the market by significantly reducing the installation time. Oak Finale was selected for its character, long durability, affordability, easy maintenance and green credentials whilst giving a warm spacious appearance to the departure areas and retail shop fronts. The factory applied seven layers of protect Ultra UV lacquer that gives the floor a finish that is extremely durable and resistant to the micro scratches. It was decided to fully adhere the flooring to the subfloor for ultimate stability in the large areas and to give a floor that is quiet to walk on whilst giving an easy surface to wheel luggage and trollies across.The floor installation was undertaken in staged areas during November and December of 2012 and has resulted in an inviting environment that has been warmly praised by staff and passengers.
For further information on BOEN products please contact the sales team free on 0800 652 5280.
