Work on a new flight terminal for oil workers can now begin after local authority staff gave the project permission for take off.
Bristow Helicopters, which serves the offshore oil transport industry, already has a terminal adjoined to the airport off Forties Road, which is used by helicopters and planes.
It wants to convert a warehouse next door into a new terminal just for planes, so the existing terminal can be used just for helicopters. A council report said: “As fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter flights have different safety and briefing processes, the new terminal would allow the separation of passengers.
“There would be no increase to passenger numbers or flights as a result of the proposal.”
In order to press ahead with the development, Bristow Helicopters had to get the council’s permission to change the use of part of the warehouse.
After nobody formally objected, the council this week granted unconditional permission for the changes to be made, allowing Bristow Helicopters to begin work.
The new terminal will have a check-in and lounge area with a small cafe. A security and bag search area will be moved from the existing terminal to the new one and two departure gates will be created. A baggage conveyor will also be put in place.
The council report added: “Separating the helicopter and fixed-wing passengers into different terminals would allow Bristow Helicopters to operate more efficiently, especially due to the different safety and briefing processes that the passengers of each are required to undertake.
“The helicopter terminal would remain in the existing terminal building, as a ‘suit up’ area is necessary for helicopter passengers.
“The proposed change of use would therefore be compatible with (council policy) as it would be expected to provide a more safe and pleasant environment for passengers, which would be easier to move around.”
A Bristow Helicopters spokeswoman said: “We are pleased that the council has granted permission and we anticipate the work will be complete by September.”
The company also provides search and rescue services, although those types of flights do not use Aberdeen International Airport.
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