Construction has begun on the exterior framing of the new airport terminal, ahead of schedule.

Aecon described the move as a key milestone, noting that people will be able to see work as it progresses over the next few months.

The first columns of structural steel have been installed, helping to form the shell of the building and provide support for the second level and roof.

Steel beams will form the structure to hold up the curtain wall and other exterior elements of the new terminal.

Skyport said this phase of the project began today, ahead of schedule, and will continue through to next September. A total of 3,500 metric tonnes of structural steel will be erected during this period.

Cranes were used to install the steel beams and columns on top of pile caps, which were put into place after piling was completed. The piles and pile caps created the foundation for the new terminal. This next phase represents the start of the above-ground construction.

Frank Ross, Aecon’s executive director of infrastructure, said: “This is a significant milestone for the construction progress as this phase is the start of the project that people will be able to see.

“Everything done up to now was for the foundation of the building. We are currently ahead of schedule and are looking forward to completing this phase in a timely manner.”

Aaron Adderley, president of Bermuda Skyport, said: “We are pleased that the project is ahead of schedule at this point. Our contractors have been working at a very fast pace.

“We expect the installation of the steel structure to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2018 while the curtain walling will commence by mid-2018.”

This phase of the construction project is not expected to cause significant disturbance to area residents, according to a press release.

The construction of the new airport terminal, which began in March, is expected to take 40 months and will be completed by July 2020.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BermudaSkyport.