With nearly 10 billion passengers passing through airports expected in 2024, airport carpets endure wear and tear on an unparalleled scale. Covering vast areas, these carpets play a critical role in shaping the airport's aesthetic and functionality for years to come.
To choose a tough, long-lasting flooring solution that enhances the traveller experience, it’s essential to focus on durability, design, and the key factors influencing airport carpet performance.
1) Physical Resilience
Airports are among the most demanding environments for carpet, subject to relentless foot traffic and heavy rolling loads. To maintain a like-new appearance over time, it’s vital to specify carpet that can withstand extreme use and perform exceptionally.
Wear classification systems, such as Use Classification EN1307, provide an objective measure of a carpet’s resistance to crushing, matting, and general wear. For airport settings, carpets must meet Class 33 Heavy Commercial Use classification.
2) Resistance to Soiling and Staining
Durability in carpets is all about retaining appearance: keeping the flooring looking fresh for as long as possible. In the hustle and bustle of airports, spills and stains are inevitable. Therefore, the carpet must be able to resist discolouration, even when exposed to coffee spills or other mishaps.
Built-in stain protection is invaluable, but carpet colour and design also play a role. Darker, highly patterned carpets are better at concealing spills and marks compared to simpler, lighter options.
3) Ease of Replacement
Accidents, such as a broken bottle of duty-free wine, can damage airport carpet. In such cases, modular carpet offers a practical solution, allowing maintenance teams to replace individual tiles rather than refitting an entire area.
This ability to seamlessly swap damaged sections using attic stock makes modular carpet an ideal choice for demanding environments like airports, combining durability with practicality.
4) Warranties
Re-carpeting an airport is a significant investment that must deliver value over the long term. To minimise risk, robust warranties are essential. These ensure manufacturers stand by their claims of durability and longevity.
Before finalising a purchase, discuss the carpet manufacturer’s warranties in detail, paying close attention to potential loopholes that could affect claims in the future.
5) Design Freedom
Carpet design is a powerful way to make a lasting impression on travellers. It’s the last thing passengers see before their journey and the first thing they encounter upon return.
Beyond performance, airport carpets offer an opportunity to create a unique and memorable experience, as demonstrated at Portland International Airport.
Customised, branded carpet designs can reflect an airport’s ethos and vision. With advancements in digital dye technology, it’s now possible to combine severe wear ratings with virtually limitless design options, allowing airports to create bespoke carpets that are as durable as they are unique.
Conclusion
Choosing the right carpet for an airport requires a balance of durability, practicality, and design appeal. By focusing on resilience, stain resistance, ease of replacement, warranties, and customisation, you can select flooring that not only stands up to heavy use but also elevates the passenger experience.
