Airkix is now in Manchester

Well, the tunnel has been performing as it should and the building is being snagged.

Weather permitting we'll be having our press launch January 14th and the Mayor will be along to cut a ribbon too.

Stay in touch and join us on our Airkix Facebook page. Check it here.

Click images to enlarge

Posted on 9th January 2010

21st December and we got 'building handover'.

Still a few jobs to complete and furniture to get but we are flying and are now open for business!

The press launch and official opening is January 14th but there will be plenty of flying before that.

This has been the fastest tunnel build ever from the time we bought the kit in May or broke ground in June. Great job by the design and build team.

Stay in touch and join us on our Airkix Facebook page. Check it here.

Click images to enlarge

Posted on 22nd December 2009

November sunshine in Manchester and a nice look at the building as it nears completion. Don't worry about the earth pile in front, that becomes the dedicated Airkix car park.

And, a first peak inside where you can see a view of the flight chamber from the viewing gallery area which is also where you will find the cafe and bar area. Did we say a bar? Oh yes!

Progress remains on track and don't forget you can also see and follow progress on the Airkix Facebook page. Check it here.

Click images to enlarge

Posted on 25th November 2009

We are now weathertight with plenty of internal work going on.

Commissioning starts at the very end of the month as we connect everything up and see if the right wires go to the right places - fingers crossed!

It rains a lot in Manchester (as you can see from the raindrop ruining this picture of beauty), just as well it's 'indoor' skydiving.

Click image to enlarge

Posted on 20th November 2009

We are nearly watertight and the internal fit out has started. We also have a massive set of transformers ready for 11,000 volts.

We have always said we aim to open in the first quarter of 2010 but we could be flying through Christmas at this rate. well done all the builders on this project, a great team.

Click image to enlarge

Posted on 30th October 2009

This week we've had our aerial spy circling the big crane and checking on every joint from every angle.

Progress remains on track and don't forget you can also see and follow progress on the Airkix Facebook page. Check it here.

Click images to enlarge

Posted on 9th October 2009

This is all pretty impressive stuff;

• The job is still on programme and we are aiming to try and open this year
• The top deck you can see was lifted in 7 pieces (pre-assembled on the floor)
• It was done in record time of just 6 hours 30 minutes (MK took about 5 days)
• This is the fastest tunnel build so far
• It was done with the smallest crane (100 Ton)
• The team is rockin'.

Special bonus this time, a picture showing diggers, lifts, machines and in bright colours; we aim to please everyone!

Click images to enlarge

Posted on 1st October 2009

Today was a very cool day in tunnel building. This is the first time that the return Air Towers have been built on the ground rather than wait for the plenum to be completed before constructing steelwork on top.

This makes the cladding easier and allows the timeframe to be shortened.

When ready, call in a shiny, yellow, 250 ton crane, connect and lift. The second tower was lifted and positioned in an amazing 12 minutes.

A great job by all the team.

Click images to enlarge

Posted on 7th September2009

Containers arrive by the day and construction is running at a heady pace. both the RATs (Return Air Towers) are constructed and being lined, the plenum is complete and looking brilliant, parts are being assembled and the team is doing great work.

This time, we have an extra piccy for you as well.

Click images to enlarge

Posted on 19th August 2009

As the 5 meter deep plenum nears completion with concrete having been poured, we are starting to see a vertical rise as the first of the RATs (Return Air Tower) takes shape. They are being partially assembled elsewhere on the site before being lifted and positioned in place.

The first of several shipments of parts from the USA is also due this week

Click image to enlarge

Posted on 30th July 2009

Just one further level of excavation and then it's complete and ready for the concrete base, top cap and smooth sides.

Steel is being fabricated, shipping of parts has commenced from USA and all is on time to date.

Click image to enlarge

Posted on 2nd July 2009

Piling is complete (and they are to some depth).

Excavation has started on stage one and preparations are under way for welding of the sheet pile clutches.

All on track so far and this stage is always worrying as you go into the ground. Don't forget the base of the 'plenum' is 5 meters deep.

Posted by Simon Ward on 17th June 2009

The piling work has started for our 'plenum'.

This large area is 5 metes deep and about 30 by 10. It houses the lower turning vanes and is the foundation of the whole building.

Posted by Simon Ward on 5th June 2009

All fencing is prepared and up and portakabins are on site, let the work commence.

Posted by Simon Ward on 18th May 2009

We have just staked our claim to a plot of land in Manchester for our second UK wind tunnel.

The site location is Trafford Quays close to the amazing Trafford Centre and right next to Chill Factore, the real snow slope.

The build will take several months and we expect to be open with our new, state of the art, 14ft diameter, 1600 HP, wind tunnel by first quarter 2010.

Posted by Simon Ward on 12th May 2009