On September 28, 2024, a significant moment marked the beginning of a new era in the construction of aviation hubs in Southwest China - the core project T2 terminal of Kunming Changshui International Airport renovation and expansion project officially broke ground. This milestone project not only carries the responsibility of enhancing Kunming's position as an international aviation hub, but also heralds the opening of a new chapter in Yunnan and even Southwest China's opening-up to the outside world.

The T2 terminal is stunning with its innovative double branch six finger corridor configuration, with a total construction area of 730000 square meters, standing tall in the sky at a height of 69.2 meters, showcasing a magnificent momentum and forward-looking design concept. Its internal structure is ingeniously designed, with international departure level, domestic mixed flow level, international arrival mezzanine, international arrival level, domestic arrival level, and GTC fast departure level arranged from top to bottom. Each level has been carefully planned to ensure smooth and unobstructed passenger flow, achieving an efficient and convenient travel experience.

Of particular note is the deep integration design between T2 terminal and the comprehensive transportation center GTC, which truly achieves seamless integration of high-speed rail, urban rail transit, and air transportation. Passengers can easily transfer to the subway and high-speed rail at the fast departure level of GTC, enjoying the ultimate convenience of zero transfer. This innovation not only greatly improves the travel efficiency of passengers, but also demonstrates the leading position of Kunming Changshui International Airport as a modern aviation hub in the construction of comprehensive transportation hubs.

Faced with complex geological conditions, the project team adopted advanced pile foundation and rock socketed single foundation technologies, and introduced a real-time monitoring seismic isolation bearing system to ensure the safety and stability of the building. At the same time, the main structure adopts a combination of concrete frame and steel tube concrete tree shaped support spatial curved network, which not only enhances the stability of the building, but also endows it with a unique modern aesthetic and spatial sense. In addition, the project actively responds to the call for green construction and is committed to promoting energy-saving and environmental protection concepts, promoting the sustainable development of the construction industry.

Quality is the lifeline of engineering. The T2 terminal project will strictly adhere to national and local building quality standards, using modern quality control methods to ensure that every detail is refined. The project team aims to pursue excellence and vow to build T2 Terminal into a recipient of multiple awards such as the National Quality Engineering Award, Luban Award, Zhan Tianyou Award, and China Construction Engineering Steel Structure Gold Award, setting a new benchmark for the Chinese construction industry.

The completion of Terminal 2 at Kunming Changshui International Airport will greatly enhance Yunnan's geographical advantage and international aviation hub status. It will not only become an important gateway connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, but also promote the prosperity and development of the regional economy, injecting new strong impetus into the opening-up of Yunnan and even Southwest China.Editor/Cheng Ting