Design Assurance – Protecting the Airport Owner

About this Paper

Modern airport projects bring together specialist systems, designers, contractors, suppliers and operational stakeholders. Design Assurance provides independent engineering oversight to help the Airport Owner determine whether the developing and delivered airport satisfies its agreed operational requirements.

The paper explains why assurance must start at concept stage, rather than being limited to checking drawings and closing review comments. It examines independent engineering judgement, requirements traceability, evidence-based compliance, design reviews and stage gates, risk-based decision making, change control, and the long-term operational interests of the Airport Owner.

It also distinguishes the role of Design Assurance from Master Systems Integration: integration coordinates how systems work together; assurance independently assesses whether the proposed and delivered solution meets the Airport Owner's requirements.

Inside the Paper

• Executive Summary
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Why Design Assurance is Needed
• 3. Design Assurance Begins at Concept Stage
• 4. Independent Engineering Judgement
• 5. Requirements, Compliance and Traceability
• 6. Design Reviews and Stage Gates
• 7. Risk-Based Decision Making
• 8. Change Control and Design Evolution
• 9. Protecting the Airport Owner’s Long-Term Interests
• 10. Design Assurance within Master Systems Integration
• 11. Conclusion

Read the complete paper, including Figure 1 – Design Assurance Across the Airport Project Lifecycle, in the downloadable PDF.