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New Satellite Concourse Provides Efficient Gate Expansion at Nashville Int’l
New Satellite Concourse Provides Efficient Gate Expansion at Nashville Int’l
To accommodate increased passenger demand, Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) recently constructed a standalone Satellite Concourse adjacent to its main terminal. The 89,000-square-foot structure opened in October 2023 and now houses operations primarily for Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines.
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Dallas Fort Worth Int’l Bolsters Employee Security Screening Program
Dallas Fort Worth Int’l Bolsters Employee Security Screening Program
Efficiency and efficacy are the watchwords for employee security screening at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
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Denver Int’l Completes State-of-the-Art West Security Checkpoint
Denver Int’l Completes State-of-the-Art West Security Checkpoint
In the last two decades, passenger volume has nearly doubled at DEN, and security technology has changed considerably. As part of the airport’s Great Hall Program, a $2.1 billion capital improvement project, all checkpoints are moving up a level—both physically and technologically.
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Harry Reid Int’l Tests Self-Service Checkpoint
Harry Reid Int’l Tests Self-Service Checkpoint
For 23 years, TSA has screened passengers and their belongings at U.S. airports to help keep air travel safe. The traffic is staggering, with an average 2.5 million people passing through checkpoints at more than 430 airports each day, and even more during holidays and other surges.
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Safety Management Systems: Lessons from the Airline Sector
Safety Management Systems: Lessons from the Airline Sector
Nearly a decade ago, the FAA Safety Organization issued a final rule requiring Part 121 certificated operators—scheduled commercial airlines—to implement Safety Management Plans. The goal was to help carriers detect and correct safety risks before they become hazards.
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Historic Wildfires Prompt Kelowna Int’l to Move Commercial Flights From Day to Night
Historic Wildfires Prompt Kelowna Int’l to Move Commercial Flights From Day to Night
With wildfires raging throughout British Columbia last summer, two things kept Kelowna International Airport (YLW) ahead of the game: good working relationships with the provincial and national governments, and partners such as Nav Canada.
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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Completes Five-Gate Addition
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Completes Five-Gate Addition
With an eye on growth and a heightened commitment to passenger comfort, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) unveiled a 30,000-square-foot terminal expansion in mid-February.
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New ARFF Facility Boosts Efficiency, Paves Way for New Terminal at Monterey Regional
New ARFF Facility Boosts Efficiency, Paves Way for New Terminal at Monterey Regional
A new $9.9 million aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) station is enhancing operational efficiency at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), as well as providing a more comfortable environment for the personnel that call it home for days at a time.
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Punta Gorda Closes Runway, Powers Through Rebuild Project
Punta Gorda Closes Runway, Powers Through Rebuild Project
File it under “good things come to those who wait.” The roughly year-long reconstruction and rehabilitation of the primary runway at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) was a welcome improvement that took patience, planning and lots of enabling projects.
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Moving Walkways Replace Decades-Old Monorail at Tampa Int’l
Moving Walkways Replace Decades-Old Monorail at Tampa Int’l
Guests at Tampa International Airport (TPA) can now use a series of moving walkways to quickly travel through the long-term parking garage to the adjacent main terminal, and vice versa.
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New Outdoor Deck Relieves Passenger Congestion at Charlottetown Airport
New Outdoor Deck Relieves Passenger Congestion at Charlottetown Airport
While some airports have struggled to recover passenger traffic lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, the opposite is true at Charlottetown Airport (YYG) on Prince Edward Island in eastern Canada. In 2023, the airport recorded 402,686 passengers—an increase of more than 18% from 2022.
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Southwest Hangar Complex at Gulf Shores Int’l is Full
Southwest Hangar Complex at Gulf Shores Int’l is Full
If Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA) were a hotel, management could hang up a “No Vacancy” sign regarding its available hangar space. Airport Director Justin Fletcher proudly reports that all 13 sites of JKA’s Southwest Corporate Hangar Complex are filled.
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Hawaii Provides State-Owned Airports with Online Platform for Environmental Systems Management
Hawaii Provides State-Owned Airports with Online Platform for Environmental Systems Management
Recognizing the need for robust environmental systems management, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Airports Division provides a cloud-based, no-code system for its 15 state-owned and state-operated airports.
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Art Without Borders - San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Art Without Borders - San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is celebrating that longtime binational bond with a temporary art exhibit titled Espacios & Lines.
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Terminal Modernization at Boston Logan Has Passengers and Locals Seeing Red, But in a Good Way
Terminal Modernization at Boston Logan Has Passengers and Locals Seeing Red, But in a Good Way
Nearly 250 years after Paul Revere rode out of Boston warning of a pending advance by British Redcoats, a shimmering red coat of paint warmly welcomes international visitors to the modern airport in his colonial hometown.
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Raleigh-Durham Int’l Makes Parking a Priority With New Online Reservation System

Raleigh-Durham Int’l Makes Parking a Priority With New Online Reservation System
As airports throughout the U.S. wrestle with growing passenger volume and heightened security concerns, parking sometimes takes a backseat. Not so at Raleigh-Durham International (RDU). The North Carolina airport recently introduced a new $7 million system to make parking easier and faster for customers.

British Airways Performs Sweeping Renovation of JFK Terminal 7 to Enhance Passenger Experience

British Airways Performs Sweeping Renovation of JFK Terminal 7 to Enhance Passenger Experience
British Airways’ $64 million renovation of Terminal 7 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) represents a premium upgrade—and not just for premium passengers. The changes are tangible for more than 150,000 customers who travel through the terminal every month.

Ford Int’l Takes Action to Manage Potential Environmental Impacts of Firefighting Foam

Ford Int’l Takes Action to Manage Potential Environmental Impacts of Firefighting Foam
In 2016, dozens of U.S. communities were hit with alarming news: Harmful chemicals from a large family of man-made compounds known as PFAS (short for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) had been found in their drinking water. In fact, a nationwide groundwater study detected PFAS-contaminated drinking water in 43 states.

El Paso Int’l Creates Airport Neighborhood With Paved Walkways, Lighting & Landscaping

El Paso Int’l Creates Airport Neighborhood With Paved Walkways, Lighting & Landscaping
Walkability is a buzzword usually associated with city planning; and curb appeal is typically an issue for real estate agents. Both, however, are now key features at El Paso International (ELP). The West Texas airport is completing an $11 million exterior renovation that links its terminal to nearby restaurants and onsite hotels via paved walkways. Improving passenger drop-off/pickup areas and upgrading exterior landscaping and lighting are other primary projects.

O’Hare Combines Public Parking, Shuttles, Mass Transit & Rental Car Operations Into One Facility

O’Hare Combines Public Parking, Shuttles, Mass Transit & Rental Car Operations Into One Facility
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is phasing in a new approach to managing ground transportation. Its new Multi Modal Facility brings together rental car operations, public parking, airport shuttles and bus stops—all in the same 2.6-million-square-foot complex. Moreover, the new facility is a short walk to/from an existing station for the region’s commuter train system.

Scottsdale Airport Opens New Aviation Business Center

Scottsdale Airport Opens New Aviation Business Center
Last November, Scottsdale Airport (SDL) inaugurated its Aviation Business Center, the centerpiece of a $27 million redevelopment project that also includes a veterans memorial and two new hangars. The 23,800-square-foot building replaces SDL’s outdated, underutilized terminal built in 1968.

Salt Lake City Int’l Tests Designs & Components for Redevelopment Program

Salt Lake City Int’l Tests Designs & Components for Redevelopment Program
Salt Lake City International (SLC) is using several full-scale mockups to ensure that even minute details of key components for its $3.6 billion redevelopment program yield the best results possible.

Measles Outbreak Underscores Importance of Communicable Disease Response Plans

Measles Outbreak Underscores Importance of Communicable Disease Response Plans
As confirmed reports of measles continue to emerge in pockets throughout the United States, airport operators throughout the country face the prospect of receiving contagious passengers and visitors.

Airports, Car Rental Agencies Join Forces to Recruit Disadvantaged Suppliers

Airports, Car Rental Agencies Join Forces to Recruit Disadvantaged Suppliers
Lynn A. Boccio, vice president of Strategic Business & Diversity Relations for Avis Budget Group, distinctly remembers picking up a call from a then-unknown airport colleague just before the 2016 Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Conference.

Page Field Upgrades Runways & Taxiways, Adds Energy-Efficient Airfield Lighting

Page Field Upgrades Runways & Taxiways, Adds Energy-Efficient Airfield Lighting
There’s never a good time to close runways and taxiways for rehab work. But thanks to an intense coordination effort, Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers, FL, completed a nearly $30 million airfield project last year with minimal disruptions to flight operations. Crews repaved the airport’s two runways, upgraded several taxiways and installed a new airfield lighting system in 19 months, despite imposing weather challenges that included Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

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FREE Whitepaper

Fairbanks International Airport Baggage Transport Conveyor Enhanced With Mod Drive™ System


Fairbanks International Airport Baggage Transport Conveyor Enhanced With Mod Drive™ System

Airports face a host of unique industry challenges, such as meeting efficiency regulations and seeking out the best maintenance practices to reduce costs and keep operations flowing. In today’s current economic climate, any potential cost savings can go a long way. 

In 2019, Alaska’s Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) sought to modernize its equipment and operations. They were dissatisfied with the performance of the gearmotors on their baggage transport conveyors and began searching for new suppliers. Regal approached FAI with a solution that could improve equipment performance and simplify maintenance, with the added benefit of energy cost savings: the Hub City® MOD Drive™ system.

This white paper discusses the hardware deployed, the test results and the annualized expectations for ROI.

 

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Halifax Int’l Doubles Checkpoint Throughput, Adds Space for Concessions & Airlines

Halifax Int’l Doubles Checkpoint Throughput, Adds Space for Concessions & Airlines
When Halifax Stanfield International (YHZ) recently expanded its security checkpoint, the Nova Scotia airport leveraged the associated construction process by dovetailing additional projects to add space for airline operations and new passenger concessions. Crews completed the security enhancements last spring and the other expansions this summer.

Los Angeles Int’l Improves Indoor Air Quality for Customers & Staff

Los Angeles Int’l Improves Indoor Air Quality for Customers & Staff
With nearly 2,000 takeoffs and landings every day, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is keenly aware of the impact airplane exhaust from the tarmac can have on customers and employees inside the terminal.

Express Curbsides at Tampa Int’l Will Allow Millions of Passengers to Bypass Ticketing/Baggage Lobby

Express Curbsides at Tampa Int’l Will Allow Millions of Passengers to Bypass Ticketing/Baggage Lobby
Prompted by heavy traffic caused by vehicles dropping off and picking up passengers during peak travel times, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is overhauling its curbside operations. The strategy: express curbsides that provide departing passengers with only carry-on bags a direct path to TSA checkpoints and airline gates—no stops at the ticketing/check-in lobby required.

San Diego Int’l Rehabs Sole Runway 2,200 Feet at a Time

San Diego Int’l Rehabs Sole Runway 2,200 Feet at a Time
As the busiest single-runway airport in North America, San Diego International (SAN) must plan and execute any airfield work with precision and efficiency. The recent full-length rehabilitation of its 9,401-foot runway was an especially critical project.

Raleigh-Durham Int’l Makes Parking a Priority With New Online Reservation System

Raleigh-Durham Int’l Makes Parking a Priority With New Online Reservation System
As airports throughout the U.S. wrestle with growing passenger volume and heightened security concerns, parking sometimes takes a backseat. Not so at Raleigh-Durham International (RDU). The North Carolina airport recently introduced a new $7 million system to make parking easier and faster for customers.

British Airways Performs Sweeping Renovation of JFK Terminal 7 to Enhance Passenger Experience

British Airways Performs Sweeping Renovation of JFK Terminal 7 to Enhance Passenger Experience
British Airways’ $64 million renovation of Terminal 7 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) represents a premium upgrade—and not just for premium passengers. The changes are tangible for more than 150,000 customers who travel through the terminal every month.

Ford Int’l Takes Action to Manage Potential Environmental Impacts of Firefighting Foam

Ford Int’l Takes Action to Manage Potential Environmental Impacts of Firefighting Foam
In 2016, dozens of U.S. communities were hit with alarming news: Harmful chemicals from a large family of man-made compounds known as PFAS (short for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) had been found in their drinking water. In fact, a nationwide groundwater study detected PFAS-contaminated drinking water in 43 states.

El Paso Int’l Creates Airport Neighborhood With Paved Walkways, Lighting & Landscaping

El Paso Int’l Creates Airport Neighborhood With Paved Walkways, Lighting & Landscaping
Walkability is a buzzword usually associated with city planning; and curb appeal is typically an issue for real estate agents. Both, however, are now key features at El Paso International (ELP). The West Texas airport is completing an $11 million exterior renovation that links its terminal to nearby restaurants and onsite hotels via paved walkways. Improving passenger drop-off/pickup areas and upgrading exterior landscaping and lighting are other primary projects.

O’Hare Combines Public Parking, Shuttles, Mass Transit & Rental Car Operations Into One Facility

O’Hare Combines Public Parking, Shuttles, Mass Transit & Rental Car Operations Into One Facility
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is phasing in a new approach to managing ground transportation. Its new Multi Modal Facility brings together rental car operations, public parking, airport shuttles and bus stops—all in the same 2.6-million-square-foot complex. Moreover, the new facility is a short walk to/from an existing station for the region’s commuter train system.

Scottsdale Airport Opens New Aviation Business Center

Scottsdale Airport Opens New Aviation Business Center
Last November, Scottsdale Airport (SDL) inaugurated its Aviation Business Center, the centerpiece of a $27 million redevelopment project that also includes a veterans memorial and two new hangars. The 23,800-square-foot building replaces SDL’s outdated, underutilized terminal built in 1968.

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Publisher's Blog

What’s in a Name?
I’m all for improving our airports. But do new names necessarily make them better?
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Industry Insider

Cyberattacks on the Aviation Sector: Threats, Trends and Strategies
The aviation industry has been a prime target for nefarious cyberattacks over the last few years.
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Project Nominations

Know of a project that should be covered in a future issue of Airport Improvement?

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Art Without Borders - San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Art Without Borders - San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is celebrating that longtime binational bond with a temporary art exhibit titled...
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