Combined Experience Creates Unique Expertise

Q: What challenges will AECOM face during its NAICM work and why did it form a consortium to win the bid?

A: AECOM has been selected to manage the construction of NAICM’s Terminal Building, the Ground Transportation Center and Control Tower. One of the biggest challenges we will encounter is making sure the different parties are well integrated into the processes. All the contractors must comply with a large array of regulations during the design and construction phases.

These regulations and norms are crucial to making this project successful. Nowadays, large investments like this require joint ventures and consortiums due to their increasing complexity. We formed this strategic joint venture with Ayesa, INECO and Cal y Mayor to create the best team possible. By combining the international and local experience of the companies within this group, we have the expertise needed for such a unique project.

Q: How does Mexico compare to other countries when it comes to planning and project management processes?

A: Mexico has a vast number of qualified professionals in engineering and construction but this project, being the largest and most complex in Latin America, exceeds the local capacity due to its size and complexity. Local companies have never been involved on their own in projects as intricate as NAICM, which is why it was important to combine national and international expertise. AECOM has worked in more than 50 different airports around the world, some being the largest in terms of size, capacity, operations and complexity. As a company, we must leverage those lessons learned from past experiences such as the Abu Dhabi midfield terminal and New Doha Airport.

Q: How will AECOM ensure the seamless transition from AICM to NAICM?

A: GACM has been working for the past two to three years on planning the transition from AICM to NAICM. The new airport has been meticulously planned. Industry experts are working alongside GACM to ensure a seamless transition of the operations. Throughout the construction process of the terminal building, we must have proper control over the documentation, compliance, quality requirements and guarantees. We will also make sure that all contractors and their employees meet all health and safety regulations. To 193 contribute to a better transition process it is our duty to ensure the commissioning processes for the project are done according to specifications.

Q: What other opportunities is AECOM looking for within Mexico’s infrastructure industry?

A: AECOM is interested in participating in Mexico’s transportation sector. We are looking for opportunities in ports, aviation and other infrastructure projects to have our global experts work alongside our local team. Some Mexican ports are planning expansion programs, creating opportunities for the private sector to participate. We see an opportunity to provide services to both the public and private sectors and are interested in looking for new projects. We want to continue participating under public, private and PPP plans, as well as provide services to other private concessionaires.

Q: What is your view of the PPP scheme and how could it be improved to boost the private sector’s participation?

A: PPPs are a good option to develop infrastructure and transportation projects but we have to make sure we focus on the right opportunities. Not all projects are viable as PPPs. First we need to make sure that repayment is guaranteed and secured. To do this, projects have to be well supervised by the authorities and must be 100 percent sustainable. Companies, authorities and stakeholders must look at all potential impacts of a project and ensure it is sustainable on all fronts: socialy, financially, environmentally and politically. Taking all these factors into consideration drastically increases the complexity of a project. AECOM offers a unique integrated delivery service, meaning we provide services from the early phases, including due dilligence, permitting and planning, all the way into the design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance phases.