Terminals and support buildings — where fire strategy, security zoning and continuous operation dominate the specification.
Airport partitions are rarely about flexibility in the ordinary sense. The dominant requirements come from fire strategy, security zoning and the need to keep the building operating continuously while works proceed.
Terminal spaces are large, high and full of services. Partitions frequently form boundaries between zones with different security or fire requirements, which means the assembly must be proven as a complete system and documented comprehensively for approval.
Refurbishment in live terminals adds a further constraint: partitions are often installed and later removed in phased works, so demountability and accurate reinstallation matter as much as initial performance.
Airport partitions form compartment boundaries. Test evidence, certification and installation documentation must cover the full assembly including junctions, not just panels.
Partitions often separate airside from landside or divide operational zones. The assembly must maintain the boundary and be installable in a way that does not create a temporary breach.
Works happen in stages around continuous operations. Systems that can be installed, dismantled and reinstalled with predictable performance reduce disruption and rework.
Noise from aircraft, announcements and movement is constant. Where partitions enclose offices, lounges or operational rooms, the acoustic target should reflect the background noise actually present.
Terminal ceilings contain dense services. Track support and partition heads must be coordinated with structure, lighting and fire systems at design stage.
Partitions in passenger-accessible areas face trolleys, cleaning regimes and constant contact. Finishes should be selected for maintenance rather than appearance alone.
Fire documentation that covers panels only, delaying approval because the junction and penetration details are not evidenced.
Security boundaries compromised during installation because the phasing and temporary condition were not designed.
Track support coordinated after the ceiling, forcing compromises in a space where access is extremely expensive.
Acoustic targets set without reference to terminal background noise, producing rooms that are technically compliant but practically unusable.
Movable PartitionManufacturer photoBrand: AE Partition
Manufacturer of movable partition walls, acoustic partitions, operable wall systems, folding and sliding partitions and glass partition systems. Production facility of 13,000 sqm in Foshan, Guangdong.
Movable PartitionManufacturer photoBrand: Egood
Manufacturer of acoustic movable partition and operable wall systems, folding and sliding partitions and glass partition systems. Established 1998 with a 13,000 sqm production facility in Foshan, Guangdong.
Acoustic PartitionManufacturer photoBrand: Leeyin Acoustics
Manufacturer of acoustic panels, wood slat wall panels, movable partitions and operable folding partition systems. Production facility of 20,000 sqm in Guangzhou, Guangdong.
Office PartitionManufacturer photoManufacturer of stainless steel and decorative metal products including metal screens, room dividers, partitions and architectural cladding. Based in Foshan, Guangdong.
Folding PartitionManufacturer photoBrand: Weigusman Jingu
Manufacturer of folding partition walls, sliding partition walls, movable and acoustic partition systems with a 30,000 sqm production facility in Guangzhou, Guangdong.
Glass PartitionManufacturer photoBrand: Apro
Manufacturer of aluminium doors, windows and office glass partition systems. Established 2003 and based in Guangzhou, Guangdong.
Expect test evidence for the complete assembly — panels, junctions and interfaces — together with installation details and certification suitable for the approving authority. Because these partitions form fire and security boundaries, documentation quality often determines whether a system is acceptable.
Yes, with careful phasing. This usually means planning temporary boundaries that maintain security and fire separation during works, and choosing systems that can be erected and removed without damaging surrounding finishes.
They are commonly used where layouts change between concessions, offices and operational areas, and where works are phased. The key requirement is that demountable performance is demonstrated for the same complete assembly as the permanent condition.
It should be set against the background noise in the specific location and the activities in the room. A quieter office next to a busy concourse needs a different specification from one in a back-of-house area, so a single generic target is rarely appropriate.
