Norwich Airport Extension of KLM UK Hangar

Background

KLM UK Engineering specialises in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and has its main base at Norwich International Airport. Customers include well known operators, such as TNT Airways, Britair and CityJet, as well as KLM and Air France.

Due to existing and new contracts KLM UK Engineering needs more space. A big project with CityJet, which is in the process of a major fleet renewal is one of the reasons for bringing one of the old hangars back into use. CityJet will replace all its BAe146 aircraft with Avro RJs.

The British company May Gurney was appointed as main contractor for the hangar refurbishment, which included a 10 m extension of the hangar and the replacement of the old sliding doors with a Megadoor sold by Crawford UK Limited.

New possibilities with Megadoor

An advantage with the extension and the new Megadoor is that the hangar can house the new version of the 737 which is taller than the old model. The electrically operated Megadoor is split in three door leaves, separated by swing-up columns, which enables a full width of 45 m.

The two outer door leaves are 9 m high, the centre is 13 m, when fully opened. For full flexibility the door leaves can be individually opened. One row with vision panels allows daylight to illuminate the hangar interior.