Turbofan's SPUN

[Turbofan]

New expansion in the works! (If you've checked Discord in the past couple of weeks you already know so feel free to skip this post lol).

Abel Jets' ThomasCook221 and FreezingFalcon have requested I make some major changes to facilities at both, Mandiola International and Linbury International airports in the CMI Extended map. As many of you are probably aware by now, Abel Jets VA is very much in expansion mode and has a number of new aircraft coming into the fleet. So after quite some discussion with both of these fellow HQ members, consensus has been reached on some major changes and updates to both, MXA and LNB.

In addition to the requirements by Abel Jets, I am putting into place the existing masterplans for both airports, which will result in their full build-outs.

Just a few of the changes taking place include:
- Completely re-built Terminal 2 at MXA with 155 gates, exclusively for Abel Jets, plus a 6-gate terminal exclusively for Abel Platinum
- Completely re-built Terminal 1 at MXA, app. 40 gates
- New terminal complex at LNB
- New runways at both, MXA and LNB

For a complete listing of upcoming changes, take a look here

Work has already started on this massive update, some of the changes are complete.

The new runway 18R-36L (10,000 ft. X 200 ft.) on the right side of the screenshot, and associated taxiways. Looking SE.

Airfield with night lighting looking NNE.

One thing I am doing differently in this case - once this latest set of changes is complete, I will hand off the map to Abel Jets for any further expansion or updates as required by the VA. This will result in two active versions of the map - the base version, CMI Extended and this version, which will become CMI Extended Abel Jets Edition.

Lots more work left so I will post regular updates in SPUN.

[Turbofan]

[Turbofan]

Got some updates. The new Terminal 2 at MXA is complete with ramp lighting, 155 J-lines (gates) and additional taxiways with centerline and edge lighting done. The re-built Terminal 1 is now in progress.



New Terminal 1 (bottom) with the main terminal and concourses in the blue, red and white colours of the French flag


Comparing with the old T1 and T2


The North Complex of T2 with Concourses E and F, and parallel wrap-around taxiways


Some special markings for this taxi-in, taxi-out Code-C gate at Concourse F


And this one at Concourse E


There are several other gates which are marked "CC" or "CF" since they can accomodate upto Code C aircraft only, or all the way upto Code F. The north section of Concourse E can handle upto Code F aircraft exclusively.



Since the B-C ramp had some additional space, I decided to put in some additional taxilanes with Apron Entry/Exit Points (AEPs); each taxilane also denotes the max allowable wingspan


Did the same on the C-D ramp


I've also put max allowable wingspan markings on the north side of the E-F ramp to prevent accidental taxiing to Concourse F


Last but not least, the view of the field now looking SE at night time, with all additional taxiways and alleyways with blue edge and green centerline lighting respectively

With 155 gates total, the new Terminal 2 at Mandiola International Airport has been designated "The Abel Jets Superhub".

For detailed, up-to-date information on this expansion, you can also visit Works in Progress at my website.

[Turbofan]

Time for another update!



The new 400 ft (122 m) tall ATC Tower at MXA, which will provide an almost-unobstructed view of all ramps and taxiways, and a complete view of all runways



The tower sits in the middle of a roundabout linking new parking lots



A new terminal access road provides access to both T1 and T2, and is much more simplified thanks to the new positions and close proximity of both new terminals



The Platinum Terminal, a separate facility dedicated solely to the operations of Abel Platinum. This terminal, located directly north of the Abel Jets Superhub accomodates 6 aircraft upto Code-F category at any given time. The main check-in/bag claim facility (with the white roof) houses two Platinum lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants and other good stuff. The terminal's "Platinum Pier" has a roof painted in rich maroon for that ultra-luxurious, red-carpet feel...



... which translates into a red-carpet welcome for those arriving in one of Abel's choppers on the rooftop helipad (and willing to shell out a few more bucks )



The "Platinum Pier" has a color-transitioned custom-built glass curtain that keeps out the direct rays of the sun while allowing plenty of natural light



In keeping with the theme, all Platinum guests arriving at/departing from the terminal get a red-carpet welcome/send-off at the curbside



Of course, the Platinum Terminal has its own access road and parking



Last but not least, I added an AWOS for good measure

With the Platinum Terminal complete, and relocation of Firestation #2 (not seen in these shots) also done, work at MXA is complete (start positions to be done later). Work will now commence on the LNB "big build".

WIP

[Turbofan]

The LNB "big build" is in progress. Just a few starter shots.

The old airfoil-shaped terminals and piers have been cleared, all ramp markings are gone to make way for the cargo and GA ramp expansions, plus the massive new Abel Maintenance Facility (AMF). There will be some re-arranging of the existing hangars as well. Also in the plans is a new NCA maintenance base and an expanded fuel farm.

The new parallel runway shown more or less in it's final position. Might move a few meters north-south depending on the final pier/ramp layout.

I've opted to go with the new, simplified U.K. aiming point markings for the new runway at LNB, similar to what is current at Heathrow. Everything else stays the same.

[Turbofan]

Another round of updates from the LNB "big build."



The new Abel Maintenance Facility (AMF). This is a custom-built structure provided by the Abel Jets Group. This massive hangar can accomodate multiple aircraft at a time, spanning all types in the AJVG fleets.






Looking from the east side (NE looking SW)



The new arrivals and departures terminals, as well as four new concourses form the main part of the big build. All alleyway taxilanes (between the concourses) and all other taxiways are Code-F compliant. The two concourses nearest to the terminals will be exclusively for AJVG's use. The third concourse will be exclusively used by British Airways and all OneWorld carriers, while the fourth concourse will be used by all other carriers.



The two new main terminals at LNB. Inspired by the curvature of the trailing edge flaps of the 727, 737 Original and Classic series, and the 747, both terminals were designed and placed to resemble the look. The larger terminal serves departing passengers and has five levels, containing your usual stuff like the check-in lobby, airline lounges, security etc etc. The smaller terminal has three levels and serves arriving passengers. It contains the arrivals hall, customs/immigration, baggage claim, foreign exchange etc etc. By the way, yes the departures terminal ramp is driveable.








The arrivals terminal, departures terminal and the concourses are all connected by an underground mall and trains.


Work on the LNB 'big build" is about 70% complete, you can find a full list of work items and their status here.

[Turbofan]

Screen shot barrage incoming!

(For those who are not aware, to view full-size, right-click on the image and choose the "View Image" option)



I moved the West Terminal (arrivals) at LNB a little distance away from the East Terminal (departures) to allow for future expansion of the departures terminal ramp/roadway. Also gave both terminals access roads and put in some simple parking areas.


LNB gets 10 new parking spots at the cargo area, all Code-F compliant.


The new midfield terminal complex and ramp now has one taxiway which is central to the airfield and connects the north and south runways, plus provides full access to the North Ramp, which houses the AMF, cargo, GA as well as MRO facilities. The Center Crossfield Connector as it's been dubbed is Code-F compliant, as are all taxiways at LNB.


There is plenty of space on either side of the CCC. To its east are new airport administration and service buildings, as well as Fire Station #2; to its west are several additional aircraft parking stands, some of which are Code-F compliant, the rest are Code-E. The airport's new ATC tower is of course located on that side as well.




Since four concourses were falling short of the minimum 80 gates requirement by Abel Jets Virtual Group (AJVG) - three concourses are now for AJVG carriers, the fourth one on the east side of the CCC is now for British Airways, and the fifth is for all other carriers. LNB's new ramp still has space for one additional concourse.


At the request of AJVG, I added the CMI Aviation Museum. The two levels of the museum are comprised of a main building with a vast array of exhibits of the aviation history of the CMIs plus aviation in general, a plethora of models and artifacts, interactive exhibits, a mock, full-motion 747 simulator, and an outdoor park-like area with several static, full-size display models donated by various airlines, complete with walking paths. Located south of the 25L end of RWY 07R-25L, the park also doubles-up as an aircraft spotting location, as does the roof of the museum building. And since it seems to the pattern these days, the museum also has a gift shop.


LNB, looking NE with all the new road connections. The Island Central Expressway (ICE), which runs down the middle of Winnsworth, has been completely re-built and re-routed to accomodate the expanded footprint of LNB as well as the new interchange that allows access to the airport.


At night.


During taxi tests at night time, I noticed the stub taxiways linking the ramp to the main parallel taxiways for both runways were difficult to see, especially from small aircraft with low flightdecks. I added these three-light identifiers to make them easier to find.


Last but not least from the Winnsworth side of things, the AJVG World Operations Center is now in Linbury, just east of the CBD. A four-level structure, it houses the main operations facilities for all AJVG carriers.


Another object provided by AJVG - this huge ship (more like floating city) - Symphony of CMI. The behemoth is set on a motion path that has it starting at the Port of Turbot Island, then south to Ocaso, then around Winnsworth, then back to Turbot. This floating city has a runway on the top, parking for several small aircraft, plus nearly everything else you'd find in a city. (Credit to Neocon and his PMNV Ground Objects for this modification)


And with all of these new things, you know it just wouldn't be complete without a brand new, state-of-the-art AJVG Headquarters. Two buildings - One Abel Jets Place and Two Abel Jets Place - now in downtown Mandiola. One Abel Jets Place is a 50-storey structure, while Two Abel Jets Place tops out at 30 storeys. The inspiration for the design of both comes from an ascension, a gradual rise from small beginnings as represented by the stair-step of Two Abel Jets Place - connected to One Abel Jets Place, representing the polished product we see today. Fittingly enough, both are connected on the 25th floor by a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled "skywalk" - a jetway-shaped structure.






Did I mention there is still a helipad present?

Pretty much all of the itemized work is now complete for the Abel Jets Edition of this map. Work will now commence on start positions, of which I plan on adding quite a few. If all goes as planned though, this map should be ready for release next week.