Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 13,917 companies....

Construction News

23/04/2019

Pacific Building Introduces Its 'A-Team'

Pacific Building has introduced its very own 'A-Team' – with the "A" standing for Airbus they are the people who helped deliver the all-new pier and departure lounge for Emirates airlines' Airbus A380 super-jumbo at Glasgow International Airport.

The new facility opened bang on time for the first arrival of the 575-ton, £350million passenger jet on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.

A huge welcoming party gathered for the historic occasion and no one was more proud of the moment than Pacific's team of John Cummings, Joseph Brady, John McGuire, Robert Allan and Connor Skea.

Not in the photograph are site manager Martin Lamont, quantity surveyor Craig Taylor and contracts surveyor Martyn Duffy, who rounded off the Pacific contingent tasked with delivering the high-profile project.

The Airbus A380, which is the world's largest passenger airliner capable of carrying up to an incredible 850 passengers, will fly daily between Glasgow and Dubai with a complement of about 580 travellers.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

In recent years, Emirates have scheduled twice-a-day services by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. But engineering works at the airline's Dubai hub are closing one of its runways and reducing the number of possible aircraft movements.

So, for the time being, a single A380 flight will replace the two current Glasgow services.

When Dubai returns to full capacity, the double-decker A380 will be joined by a 777. It will mean a passenger capacity of three Boeings a day, shrunk into two aircraft movements.

The works to accommodate the plane and passengers at Gate 30 – which features Scotland's only triple air bridge that permits a swift turnaround between arrival and departure – was complemented by external engineering works too.

These were overseen by main contractors Kier and included widening and strengthening taxiways, the relocation of traffic lights and other static objects and the installation of wing-protection measures (the Airbus's wingspan is a mammoth 80 metres).

While the structural work fell to Kier, all other project components were the responsibility of Pacific, including the comprehensive fit-out of the passenger lounge that measures an impressive 850 square metres.

There was no room for manoeuvre on the 10-week timescale, with tickets for the first flight having already been sold, so even a short delay was not an option.

Pacific Managing Director Brian Gallacher said: "A huge pat on the back to all our guys – our very own A-Team – who pulled out the stops on one of our company's most prestigious projects to date.

"The decision by Emirates to introduce the A380 is a huge milestone for Glasgow International Airport, 15 years after the airline's inaugural flight to Scotland.

"We have forged a valuable relationship with the airport and this project represents a major vote of confidence in the city.

"Emirates have carried more than 4.5 million passengers between Glasgow and Dubai since their first flight to Scotland in 2004."

Latest Construction News

04/09/2026
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to demolish and rebuild the Liberton station in the capital. Procured via the SCAPE Scotland Construction Framework, the £10m scheme marks a significant investment in SFRS infrastructure and will create a
Read More
03/09/2026
Network Rail says it has hit a key milestone in efforts to strengthen Scotland's railway against severe weather, with £130m invested in resilience over the last two years. The move comes amid tougher operating conditions, including higher temperatures, increasingly unpredictable rainfall and more f
Read More
04/09/2026
ESB has reached Final Investment Decision (FID) and executed the principal construction agreements for the 96MW Chleansaid Wind Farm, near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands. The move signals the start of delivery for one of the utility's most strategic renewable projects and its first ESB-developed on
Read More
04/09/2026
Glasgow City Region has welcomed confirmation of £22.7 million in first-year funding from the UK Government's Local Growth Fund, aimed at accelerating business growth, improving skills and employability, and creating new commercial space across the area. The award represents the opening phase of a
Read More
04/09/2026
A major planned maintenance scheme has begun across East Renfrewshire, with 190 council homes set to receive new kitchens in the first year of works. The initiative is part of East Renfrewshire Council's longer-term investment in its housing stock. Approximately 300 kitchens are due to be replaced
Read More
04/09/2026
A £9.8m Local Growth Fund programme for the Forth Valley has moved into delivery after the UK Government approved the region's Investment Plan, paving the way for projects to boost businesses, skills, housing and infrastructure across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Following approval of th
Read More
04/09/2026
Approval of a new Local Growth Fund Investment Plan will deliver £11.8 million to Ayrshire between 2026 and 2029, targeting higher household incomes and stronger local economies through infrastructure, business support and skills. The funding reflects the collective ambition of the Ayrshire Regiona
Read More
04/09/2026
SNIPEF's State of Trade Survey for the first quarter of 2026 points to steady activity tempered by growing caution. Work volumes have held up, payment performance is broadly consistent and product availability remains manageable. However, order books are more finely balanced, margins are under press
Read More
04/09/2026
Farrans has been appointed by ESB to deliver the Civil Balance of Plant (CBoP) for the 96MW Chleansaid Wind Farm near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands. The contract signals the start of delivery on one of ESB's most strategically important renewable schemes and marks its first onshore wind project i
Read More
03/09/2026
Sky has secured planning permission for its new Livingston Campus, unlocking a major investment and underscoring the company's long-term commitment to Scotland. The decision marks a key step towards delivering a significant new workplace development in West Lothian. The approved plans will bring Sk
Read More
SEEIT3DAberroof AberdeenArctic Spas RosebankBairds Windows LtdJRF Chimney Specialists and Heating DistributorsEuro-Fab (Scotland)James Smith Fencing LtdCelsius Plumbing and Heating (Edinburgh) LtdPrestige Concrete Sectional GaragesNorthern Containers