A more in-depth glimpse of how Bermuda’s new $250 million airport could look should be available within the next few weeks, according to the firm spearheading the redevelopment.

Canadian construction giant Aecon said architects had started work on the exterior and interior design aspects of the building in February, a phase that will last up to two months before new artist’s renderings are available.

Those drawings will ultimately allow a 3-D model of the airport to be developed, which will be shared with the public.

Steve Nackan, president of Aecon Concessions, told The Royal Gazette the airport design was progressing well and key decisions regarding “scope and functional parameters” had been made in consultation with a “very broad spectrum of stakeholders”.

“As people step off the plane, they should see that Bermuda is at the forefront of modern, luxury travel,” he said. “And as they leave, they will leave with a positive, lasting impression of this beautiful island.

“The entire terminal will integrate the latest world-class technologies in all aspects of the process, including in check-in, screening, baggage and materials handling and processing, communications, fire systems, back-up power, telecoms and more.”

Mr Nackan said that since the local office of international architecture firm OBMI joined the design team last month, a series of “design studios” had been initiated to refine the exterior appearance of the airport and define the interior “sense of place” in a Bermuda style.

“The combined design team is exploring ways to integrate those features which make Bermuda unique and memorable to visitors and residents alike,” he said.

“These include vibrant colours, simplicity and symmetry of indigenous buildings, marine ambience, sunlight, natural features, warm friendly people, flora, fauna, etc.

“It is the aim of the team to develop a design which will be memorable and one that the people of Bermuda can be proud of.”

According to Mr Nackan, other features of the new airport will include:

• wheelchair accessibility

• continued pre-clearance for US customs

• enclosed passenger boarding bridges

• duty-free stores, restaurants, outdoor terraces, casual food outlets, retail outlets and US and international sector airline lounges in the arrival and departure zones

• “generous” amounts of tinted, glazed panelling to “enable dramatic vistas of the land and water features as well as maximising the availability of natural light inside the building”

• the ability for further expansion in the future, including up to two new gates/aircraft stands at the north end of the terminal and up to three at the south end.

Construction of the airport is due to start this year, with the terminal slated to open in 2020.