Rutledge AV designed, supplied, and installed a digital, state of the art Public Address (PA) and Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS) upon the development of the Airport’s expansive Western Concourse Terminal. The system broadcasts airport-wide communication of important scheduled and non-scheduled flight and safety information to passengers and visitors. It is the backbone of a smooth airport operation.

The project required careful strategic consideration due to the complex nature of the facility.

One key challenge was the substantial size of the terminal – covering a huge 55,000 square metre area.

The outstanding glass atrium, which overlooks the runway area, also presented itself as a further challenge. 279 glazed panels were used in the three-storey high structure (16 metre height), covering an area of 1,500 square metres.

The space and architectural surfaces all needed to be carefully considered in the design and implementation of the system, to ensure a clear, even sound was distributed across the airport. EASE modelling was used for optimal placement of speakers, to achieve the best acoustics in the area.

The new technology was seamlessly integrated with the existing system, resulting in a centralised communication control point that assimilates the new and legacy systems.