The Unbelievable Logistics of Fixing an Airport Runway

[@LondonGatwickAirport]

Thanks Fred and the B1M team for spending the night with our Construction team! To complete the runway resurfacing all while flying a busy summer schedule is no small task ✈. We couldn't have done it without the fantastic work of the whole team and our partners - who planned everything down to the second 🙏 #gatwickairport #gatwick #gatwickfamily

[@kentd4762]

Great job, Gatwick workers! --an aviation fan in Colorado

[@scampi9588]

Brilliant coverage guys. It's really cool seeing how everything works!

[@Vyker]

Put more bodies in border control!! Queues are horrendous

[@user-oy4lk7fd9w]

thanks gatwick airport

[@I-am-stevo]

Why not do the repairs during the quite parts of lockdown 2 years ago, construction workers didn't stop working during this period. If the asphalt has a 7 year life span and was put in in 2012 should have been changed out in 2019. So it wouldn't have been in the pipeline

[@jvdb5509]

B1M is what Discovery Channel could have been

[@jamesb.8201]

What it should have been.

[@katherandefy]

😂😂😂 deserving comment *like!*

[@alliejr]

Discovery originally WAS this. 😢

[@AfrikanTribesman]

By the way, what happened to Discovery?

[@rthomp03]

Yeah, in a perfect world maybe. But B1M works tirelessly to produce around 20 minutes of new video per week. Imagine how many talented people you need in order to produce hours of content per day, in a revolving cycle to allow time for research, production, editing, etc. It's not really a sustainable business model, which is why they moved largely to cheap, easy-to-produce reality TV. The real shame is that these educational videos only get on the order of tens of thousands of views on average, while millions of people are watching the "cheap" reality shows, which really screws up the cost/reward curve.

[@Supernaut2000]

Only the B1M could make something as mundane as a paving job into a fascinating behind the scenes look at a high profile job site.

[@Fiercefighter2]

Buildwitt has a similar video at Eberhard airport in zurich. it was a fascinating video as well.

[@User-md3ul]

eh it's ok, but far too much epos/drama and introduction that repeats again over the length of the video.. could've been far more shots of the actual machines running

[@Safinitzine]

Or Top Gear.

[@colin.stephan]

I‘m always just blown away by how high your quality standards are at the b1m… crazy🔥

[@jimy6189]

It was great working with you all! Hope we can tempt you back with other projects we have lined up. Seeing Fred trying his best to stay professional and heroic looking as he geeked out on the runway was the best bit by far

[@ai-with-steve]

This channel is a big step up from the average youtube channel. Instead of a ton of stock footage, they actually go onsite. Amazing.

[@egocd]

I'm blown away by how good these videos have become. The editing, B-Roll, audio, video quality, scripting and of course presenting is just so, so good. Great work Fred & the team!

[@yannisstath]

ive never clicked so quickly to start watching a B1M video

[@omamori_]

Same omg

[@brookeking8559]

Me, too.

[@fe3bal]

I went through Gatwick a few weeks ago and you wouldn't know there was a massive construction project going on. ... except for my flight being delayed by two hours, but that was easyjet being easyjet

[@DanielH874]

Production values through the roof. You are crushing it! We appreciate the videos.

[@carsonrowley9499]

This was a really fun video to watch! I'm an aviation engineer in the United States and understand the challenges laid out in this video! I can say though most of the runways I design and work on don't have the same global impact potential as this one! haha

[@simonyapp]

I feel for the electricians who have to do the last job of drilling, fitting and wiring up the lights before the strip re-opens, that's pressure! Nice film, thanks!

[@kevinshumaker3753]

Went through Gatwick in May of 2018 on a visit to London, it was an amazing experience. Compared to other airports I've been in, they have their act together. Thanks for the behind the scenes view, it helps me appreciate it more.

[@FollowPhotiniByDesign]

What an excellent but challenging project, thanks for bringing this to us Fred...

[@Matt.Thompson.1976]

Thank you B1M. As a lover of aviation, this was very interesting. Also, as an American, it was also interesting to hear how asphalt is pronounced in the UK. "Ash-Felt". In the states is pronounced "Ass-Fault". It just reminds me of how similar, yet strikingly different the US and UK really are. Cheers from California.

[@voetbal12]

Gatwick is hands down my favourite airport in the world.

[@kentd4762]

Great episode, Fred and B1M! The world's aviation/airspace system is amazing. Many thanks to all who make it happen! -a B1M and aviation fan in Colorado

[@DimmyV]

The one thing I learned at George Brown 🇨🇦 during my budding renovation course is that construction is constant problem solving. Great video 👏🏼

[@winnied87]

This is lovely. Gatwick is special for me as I came to visit London for the first time ever throught this airport. It seemed quite busy then and at the same time it was interesting to realize that it was the second busiest airport serving London. It would be the busiest in many other countries.

[@johnnyboy55]

45 million passengers? One runway ? Absolutely mind boggling to say the least.

[@BrendanDell]

This video makes you appreciate every aspect of flying even more! Grateful for all the construction workers who have made every landing EVER at Gatwick and at any airport, possible!

[@mattwruff]

Strange I've been to London over a dozen times and never been to Gatwick! They definitely need that 2nd runway!

[@rahat_virk]

Runway Recarpeting with AirTraffic Pressure is not just a simple Civil Engineering Job, it's also Project Management Excellence with Precision Quality & Time Management. Bravo !

[@del4ev]

Wow that brought back some memories 😃 I was a tipper driver working for one of the companies in the video actually and we were helping resurface a RAF base, but there was no flights apart from a tiny mail plane every just delivering for the MOD. So I can't imagine the pressure at Gatwick airport.

[@patrix87]

The B1M always has the most epic soundtrack.

[@Luuk401]

I swear B1M is the highest quality channel around! Great video again!

[@chrisjohnhyman]

Amazing video. Having had to land on the alternate runway in Gatwick all summer, it's great to see what was actually happening.

[@MrRedfoxx1989]

FRED!!!! On site and on camera!!!

[@illbeback111]

Really interesting Video. I landed on Gatewick a few weeks ago and could have never imagined the work behind this runway.

[@omarlearnnewthings7632]

I think about B1M did an amazingly work and thank you for doing that mean lot to all

[@togaoitb7121]

I’ve used to work at Gatwick security, and I’ve seen all this up close. What a privilege it has been! I love Gatwick

[@Celis.C]

10:28 Now this is absolutely EPIC! Gorgeous shot

[@CallumKray]

Everytime I get a notification of a new B1M video... I stop whatever it is i'm doing to watch it. hooked. love it.

[@carloslarsen3030]

What a great example of the "Butterfly Effect". Thank you so much for sharing and making us realize how important this simple things are.

[@yousorooo]

The production value of these videos is simply amazing.

[@bearcubdaycare]

I used to work at Gatwick. It's fun to see a video about this project.

[@MelbourneShorts11]

This channel is getting better and better. Great to see your face to the cool brit voice. Good work mate

[@belltond1527]

Great video! We need one on the Heathrow airport expansion and the Manchester airport expansion

[@sylviaelse5086]

In the late 1970s ago I was in a BAC1-11 that landed at Manchester. The runway was being resurfaced, but they didn't bother with doing the work bit by bit. They just removed the surface, and we landed on what was left. It felt like driving over road-works.

[@catalanluke5315]

This channel never misses!!!

[@ice711real]

I feel like I'm watching a tv show but then it's only 11 minutes...hats off to the B1M!! This is what world class editing looks like.

[@nicolasnunez8388]

Another amazing and interesting video to brighten our days!

[@mr.boomguy]

I love it when people in high posissions, like our Andy guy here, talks about his thoughts and worries about his job, even tho they're doing it well. Love that kind of insight

[@LondonGatwickAirport]

Hi Mr. Boomguy, we’re very proud of Andy and quite literally couldn’t have done this project without him. He’s very good at what he does 🙌

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

This is incredible!

[@stephendoherty8291]

I heard these crews are specialists, travelling from airport to airport. They just do runways. Pretty high pressure, cost and highly specialised

[@Juihi2]

That framing at 7:22...... wow!, give that camera man a raise!

[@terencemichaels]

Adding my comment to the many praising this channel's excellent videos, edifying, entertaining, informative, fascinating material and the presenter's style is most engaging. Also, a social conscience thrown in: full marks to the B1M.

[@ZetaPyro]

My favorite part about Gatwick Airport is the sign near the approach path that says WELCOME TO LUTON.

[@TheB1M]

It’s ASHFELT

[@TheRealMarkyPizzle]

Nice one....really interesting video. Pre- pandemic wasn't gatwick the biggest single runway airport in the world?

[@LondonGatwickAirport]

Hi Mark, pre-pandemic we were the most efficient single runway in the world, with up to 55 movements an hour. We’re not the busiest, as the runway is not operational 24 hours.

[@amograo9060]

i think that's mumbai

[@TheRealMarkyPizzle]

@@amograo9060 Mumbai has 2 intersecting runways

[@corderoanthony2301]

I think the only other competitors to this fact would be San Diego or Scottsdale airport out of Arizona

[@amograo9060]

@@TheRealMarkyPizzle yes but only one can be operational at a time so it is considered a single runway airport just like gatwick having two parallel runways but only one being operational at a given time

[@moritzhaberland]

Rethinking just the effort for this video... fantastic Job, the B1M!

[@mulhatton]

AMAZING! Thanks B1M 👍👍👍 10:28 WOW! Such an awesome shot. 😍

[@stackersmbe852]

I always learn something new from this brilliant channel. I didn't even realise Gatwick was such a major player in the world of air travel. It's not exactly convenient or close to London!

[@gehrigsullivan9721]

Another top tier video, thanks B1M

[@ChrisHodges87]

How they do it would be interesting. Composition of the mix, how to remove existing top layer smoothly, how they roll it tight, etc. very enjoyable video still.

[@cordellis8935]

This

[@MM-mq5uj]

Amazing! well done B1M TEAM!

[@joserosa5342]

Thank B1M for your architecture/engineering channel. One of the best.

[@dan2oo5]

Great to see the mobile batching plant and work colleagues from Colas in action. That was a fantastic project to be part of.

[@paulburman9972]

I can see this taking off!🛬✈️🛩🛫

[@rick67hou]

Boo!

[@shahidarshad7397]

Phenomenal construction job done by the Gatwick crew ( team ). And another information video by Fred & B1M team. Never been to Gatwick , only at Heathrow a few times.

[@lukassanchez6664]

I absolutely love this channel! Entertaining, educational, and incredibly well made all in one. Thank you Fred!

[@davetv4705]

Honestly, I never regret being part of this team. Your documentaries are excellently executed.

[@151CHAVIN]

Was some long stressful nightshifts doing that for the second time round! Now the concrete laying is next and pier 6 extension is about to kick off! Nice to see sweeptech featured a few times in this short video 👍

[@rf11404]

Fred Mills is the man! 😎

[@Supt3100]

I don’t work in Construction, but I subscribe to this channel because of videos like this. Informative & Fascinating! Thanks, B1M Team!

[@D_4_N_]

now this is a cool video to release on my birthday. cheers

[@Assywalker]

Cheers, mate.

[@R0DBS2]

Happy birthday 🎉

[@jdkingsley6543]

Yo this channel came a LONG way wow.

[@OLLXTXY]

Thanks Fred, quality video as always. Always look forward to getting that notification from the B1M!

[@richardrada8108]

I have flown (as pilot) in & out of Gatwick many times. Only the Brits could build 2 parallel runways then many years later decide, OMG, they are to close to each other…well how do you really do that? So lets make one a taxiway…with management like that soon they will make the remaining runway a taxiway, leaving no runways. They could have used the inner runway for takeoffs only, outer runway for landing only. Basically doubling the capacity of the field. Staggering takeoff and landing on limited runway are standard procedures. LGA does it all day long. Stanstead, north of London, has only one runway also. Another genius plan. It really has enough area for 2 parallel runways, but instead they built one exactly in the middle of the available space, not allowing expansion for a second runway on either side without major airport infrastructure demolition. However the terminal at Stansted is such a nightmare design that tearing it down would be a blessing. Just my 2 pence…

[@1887MB]

Have subscribed for a long time, and the content is getting better and better. Keep up the good work!

[@devinsoicy]

this has got to be one of the most consistent channels in terms of quality content. thank you for creating these videos

[@АлександрИняхин]

Each video is the answer to why construction is cool

[@kailashbtw9103]

blown away with the quality again! didnt even realize you all had full writeups on your website. very cool!

[@CarthagoMike]

Great video as always!

[@PLuMUK54]

I wonder how much practice Fred put in to perfecting the mean, moody, and magnificent look we saw when he was in the car? 🙂

[@nickhiscock8948]

thats because he is a very attractive guy

[@LondonGatwickAirport]

… a lot 😉

[@heavenlynature7113]

The precision is impeccable

[@stonebear]

I've actually been involved in a project like that. The idea of getting the lights out, asphalt ground up, fresh laid down, COOLED, and then get the lights *back in* before dawn? WOW. Thankfully, the little regional airport we were doing this on didn't have the nasty weather greater London has and thus could let us take our time about getting the lights back in... that and it's much easier to *find* the lights buried under the pavement with modern precision GPS than it is with a transit, a measuring tape, and a bit of luck! (Sneaky pro tip: the in-pavement lights are mounted in buried steel cans, with extensions on them to account for the replaced pavement. You take the lights and the extensions out and replace them with a thick steel lid with a bulls-eye engraved in it. Then when you come back, you first drill with a 2" (5cm) hole saw, and use the bit of bulls-eye you just uncovered to place your *big* drill and lift out the piece of asphalt covering the light fixture. You don't want to go shamefaced to the paving company and say, hey, I screwed up your new asphalt and you need to re-pave it!) Even doing it slowly, it's a *massive* project. And from a later career in software, I can definitely echo the gentleman's sentiments about planning ahead for potential disaster... have a plan for whatever could go wrong, and then when inevitably it *does*, you're johnny on the spot and the project doesn't go off the rails!

[@artel6225]

B1M great vid strikes again

[@chrise2329]

That sounded like a hell of a challenge.

[@kentslocum]

Interesting that this video was posted right after I finished watching a (much older) video about the effects of 9/11 on global airspace. Flights crossing the Atlantic were diverted to Canada, and Newfoundland became inundated with massive jetliners filled with bewildered and frustrated passengers who needed to be fed, housed, and entertained for nearly five days. The airline industry truly is a global web of interconnections.

[@LJB103]

The first time I ever flew, it was from Gatwick back to the US on British Caledonian Airlines.

[@Matityahu755]

Shut it down, carve it up, pave it and open it up :D Great job girls and guys. Thanks Fred and Team LGW

[@dan_youtube]

This channel moves slowly from great graphics of construction videos to epic portrait shots of Fred

[@beachbum4691]

Okay I'm a near 80 year old "Pom" living in Australia. This video illuminates the best of the character of the British people; all the way from "it will only work if", "we all act as a single; very well-informed team," which they did and they delivered. "It will only work if;" there is smart management at every level in all of the organisations involved, specifically and noisily including engineering and the overnight teams on the ground doing the work. "It will only work if;" there is an awareness by senior management; that the teams on the ground are bailing them out, (should this work not have been done at the beginning of the Covid lockdowns, when everyone else is clearing their "too hard; maintenance backlog" ?). "It will only work next time if;" someone like the B1M team; gets out there and publicises it. Congratulations everybody........(ex-BA Comet-4Bs 1960s-70s) subscribed yonks ago, this is a great channel............ John

[@DarthCoco]

Loved this video, and everything you had to explain. I have been at Gatwick quite a few times in the last 1.5 years, and as dense as it can get with such factors like one runway, I have come to like the airport alot.

[@archiewells1197]

Gatwick needs to expand asap

[@LondonGatwickAirport]

Hi Archie, we’ve set out our plans to bring our existing Northern Runway into regular use alongside our Main Runway. Find out more at gatwickairport.com/futureplans

[@connorcscott]

You've really leveled up with these on site shoots - Well done Fred & B1M team!

[@EvinRattner]

Love, love, LOVE the B1M. Keep up the great work! ✈️🌹

[@AMoose454]

As a pilot I am requesting more airport and aviation stuff plz. Amazing video as always.

[@HalonOfficial]

Great video as always 😀✈🛫🛬

[@TheB1M]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrmuffinman26]

Can we please see a in depth video on Heathrow Airport please

[@thomashiggins9320]

I've never flown into Gatwick; only ever Heathrow. The tube station in Heathrow is several steps beyond merely "convenient," and that makes it worth any extra hassle to fly into that airport, instead of Gatwick.

[@timwilliams1693]

Amazing insight into Gatwick Airport. Thank you

[@anthonyjames4648]

Brilliant doccie!

[@schlaumayer3754]

I love seeing these cut bits of script, like at around 4:40, which you can see in the subtitles and the transcript

[@strafrag1]

Another excellent video from The B1M.

[@spencerc7445]

Morning coffee and B1M 👌🏽

[@misterscottintheway]

Would like to see more of the asphalt factory and the actual process of resurfacing

[@DaniMrtini]

I remember watching something like this on Modern Marvel's (might have been different show but on discovery channel) and I loved it. Great to see this closer

[@sparrowbe4k802]

I love this episode because it explains something that even I didn't realise. Gatwick and Brum only have one runway. And these guys have to MAKE their own aggregates ON-SITE!!. And you have to get all of that airside while ATC are barking at you. I'd love to spend just one night learning how you guys do this. How long does it take for the asphalt to dry?