- Rail & Aviation
- 10 Oct 2025
Duration: October 2024 - March 2025
Value: £20 million
Situation
Our client selected M Group Rail & Aviation to deliver crucial runway repairs at Mount Pleasant Complex, a vital RAF airfield located on the Falkland islands.
This project was significant due to the airfield's role as an overseas base for the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supporting military and civilian flight operations 8,000 miles from mainland UK.
Task
The project was procured through the MOD’s Overseas Capital Framework (OCF) to enhance the airfield's operational capacity.
The scope of work involved the replacement of 20,000m² of airfield operating ground, with our team working to resurface the Foxtrot taxiway and main runway 10 threshold to ensure the airfield met the operational standards needed.
Action
Our team used their expertise to plan an efficient project that could be delivered ahead of the South Atlantic winter, which would prevent the works due to its adverse weather conditions.
One of the main challenges was the complex logistics involved in transporting materials and equipment to the remote location.
Before the project could begin, our team used their expertise and strong relationships with clients and stakeholders to diligently plan the transportation of equipment and materials from the UK to the Falkland Islands. The equipment needed was delivered to site via an 8,000-mile journey by boat.
Following the planning stage, our dedicated team of 63 people completed the works, which included:
· Construction of an asphalt plant on-site.
· Removing a layer of the Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to prepare the threshold and Foxtrot taxiway.
· Demobilising the plant post-completion.
· Conducting associated Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) and line marking works, including the removing and reinstating the threshold.
Our team used innovative mixing techniques involving Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB), which included the decanting of solid-state bitumen and the use of one-tonne bagged filler, enhancing the quality and durability of the surface.
To maintain a safe working environment, we made sure that tight safety protocols were in place. This included a careful selection process for our people, ensuring that the team with the best expertise were assigned to the project.
Result
The project followed strict milestones that navigated the military shipping schedule and the unpredictable weather conditions of the South Atlantic Islands.
Our team quoted, mobilised and completed the work within a tight timeframe of nine months.
Following its success, the project was honoured with the DIO Chief Executive's Special Award in 2025, highlight its significance and the fantastic performance of the team involved.
