Known for fabulous beaches, Aruba’s coast is sprinkled with exotic divi-divi trees that provide postcard-worthy views of the southern Caribbean Sea. Unique with its dry climate, Aruba compels travelers all over the world to come and take advantage of its continuously sunny days. It’s no wonder that in 1933 construction plans for an airport on the island were underway. Fast forwarded to today and the state-of-the-art Reina Beatrix Airport is operating with a plethora of commercial airlines and private charters, with plans in the works on a new expansion that includes two of the largest aircraft hangars on the island.
Reina Beatrix Airport’s most recent expansion of the South Side terminal or “Universal Air Terminal” will add two 12,838 sq. ft. Allied Steel prefabricated hangars to accommodate the heavy private and business air traffic. The terminal currently manages 10 to15 arrival and departure flights daily, with an increase in peak season from 50 to 70 daily flights. With air travel up 6.5% from this time last year, the two hangers, purchased from Allied Steel Buildings will house the Boeing 737 jets of Tiara Air, an Aruba airline, and a separate private hangar of identical size planes.
The two Allied Steel hangars are 131 x 98 x 31 and both feature a 100 x 28 sliding electric door for easy access of the Boeing 737 jets. Construction has already begun on this phase of the 3 part expansion; when complete the project will also provide alternative runways and an extension of the aprons. Chris Rucker, Director of Major Accounts for Allied Steel, has been with the project since its inception, he recently stated “We are very proud to be working with the Aruban Airport Authority and Van Kessel Havenbouw N.V. A project of this size that will be visible to everyone who arrives on the island is a fantastic opportunity to show the world what we are made of”.
Van Kessel Havenbouw N.V., the Aruba based company in charge of the construction, are in the process of erecting the large prefab Allied Steel hangars. Arie van den Top, Project Manager of Van Kessel Havenbouw N.V. notes that the pre-engineered steel hangars are going together quickly and the construction of both buildings will be complete at the end of June 2012. Rucker stated, “Working with Van Kessel Havenbouw N.V. has been a seamless transaction, we’ve been with them every step of the way to make sure their project stays within its projected timeline and within budget. We are all excited to see how the new additions impact air travel to Aruba.”
About Van Kessel Havenbouw N.V.: Founded in 1970, Van Kessel Havenbouw N.V. is one of the most highly respected construction companies in Aruba. Visit http://www.vkharuba.com/ to browse through other projects and company history or call +297 585 99 45.
About Allied Steel Buildings: Allied Steel produces superior pre-engineered steel buildings at affordable prices for every application including aviation, industrial, agricultural and residential steel buildings. Call an Allied professional at (877)997-8335 or visit www.alliedbuildings.com for steel building prices and rates