Gatic Slotdrain chosen for Avianca Hangar Expansion

The recent expansion of Avianca Cargo’s hangar at Bogotá El Dorado International Airport in Columbia, required a drainage solution which would endure the demands of a busy aviation hub.

The project, which marks a key construction milestone for the country this year, included the installation of over half a kilometre of Gatic UltraSlot from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS).

In recent years, Ecuador’s cargo transport industry has seen 20% growth, with a resulting increase in the use of Bogotá El Dorado International Airport. During this time, Avianca Cargo has developed the use of El Dorado as its main hub, leading to the expansion of its hangar facilities at the airport.

Bogotá El Dorado International is the main gateway into Columbia and the third-largest airport in Latin America in terms of traffic volume. Rainfall in Bogata is relatively high, with the wettest season lasting more than eight months; so the performance of the chosen drainage solution was detrimental to the efficient, smooth running of the new facility on a daily basis. The project was approved by renowned aviation engineering firm, Aertec, and delivered on behalf of Opain SA, the infrastructure specialist responsible for the management and operation of the airport.

Gatic’s technical team provided specialised, tailored technical support from the outset, ensuring the UltraSlot system met all the regulatory standards laid out in the project specification. Due to its high rainwater drainage capabilities, and suitability for use in areas of heavy, slow-moving traffic, UltraSlot was installed across all of the aircraft parking areas, further supported by the additional use of ductile iron covers and gratings.

UltraSlot is designed for use in external concrete areas subject to F900 loading, by ensuring sufficient depth of concrete over the main body of the system to withstand ultra-heavy-duty loads. It also presents minimal maintenance costs and has no moving or removable parts, which ensures long-lasting performance, positioning Gatic’s market-leading system as the preferred solution across airports worldwide.

Gatic UltraSlot carries the following system certifications:

  • EN 1433: European standard for drainage channels in vehicular and pedestrian areas, classifying loads from A15 to F900
  • ISO 9001: Recognized standard for product quality improvement and manufacturing process quality

UltraSlot units are available from 100 to 600mm wide; the largest unit having a storage capacity of 405 l/m. The range offers these additional benefits:

  • Quick installation times
  • Maximum intake
  • Impact resistance
  • Tamper resistance
  • Reduced maintenance costs

The range can be installed in areas likely to experience extreme temperatures, and when installed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, should perform for the lifetime of the site.

A comprehensive range of grates and covers is available to suit every conceivable system design, supplied with locking bolts for additional safety and security. A ‘treadsafe’ option is also available, which makes the channels safe to cross when used in areas subject to high foot traffic.

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