WSP Group is bidding for a slice of the $80bn investment in the world's airports over the next ten years, of which $20 billion is earmarked for Europe.

WSP is already working on all the major airports in the UK, as well as others in Africa and the Far East, and is in advanced talks to provide its skills to similar contractors in the United States. A broad range of WSP disciplines are involved, from civil engineering to logistics design.

For the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow, the group is advising on sustainability and other environmental issues, while at other Heathrow terminals, Gatwick and Stansted WSP Group has won contracts for mechanical, electrical and structural engineering. It is also carrying out FM work and logistics design at various airports around the world.

Tom Smith, a Director of WSP, said today: "The building of an airport doesn't stop at the end of the runway. A whole micro economy grows up around it - there is a need for road links and other transportation, bridges, shopping centres, business parks, hotels, offices, catering facilities and hangers. They all offer great opportunities for WSP and we are determined to stay in the forefront of this development."

The new Aviation Division will be launched officially in the autumn before an international aviation audience, which will include world airlines, major airport developers and contractors, local authorities, BAA and other airport operators.

Anna Lagerkvist