Ruth Haines
Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a major transformation with a $1.1 billion terminal modernization project. The new terminal, expected to be completed by October 2025, will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, improving efficiency and cutting travel time from car to plane by half. The design incorporates nature, technology, and community, featuring a wooden ceiling, tree-like columns, automated baggage systems, and outdoor plazas. The project is funded by airline charges, airport revenues, and construction site preparation funds from airlines, with a focus on enhancing the passenger experience and adapting to changing aviation needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Construction start date | July 2021 |
| Expected completion date | October 2025 |
| Cost | $1.1 billion to $1.5 billion |
| Funding sources | Airline charges, airport revenues, construction site preparation work funded by airlines, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act |
| Design elements | Nature, technology, community, natural light, landscaping, wooden ceiling, columns resembling trees, three-level bridge and roadway |
| Features | Consolidated check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations, expanded TSA checkpoint, separate levels for departing and arriving passengers, outdoor terrace, upgraded baggage handling system |
| Expected benefits | Improved passenger experience, enhanced regional competitiveness, increased economic activity, increased tax revenue |
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What You'll Learn
- The new airport terminal will be completed in October 2025
- The terminal will cost $1.1 billion to construct
- The terminal will feature a new baggage handling system
- The terminal will have an outdoor terrace accessible after security
- The terminal will be designed with nature, technology and community in mind
The new airport terminal will be completed in October 2025
The new airport terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport will be completed in October 2025. The $1.1 billion project, also referred to as the Terminal Modernization Program, is expected to transform the airport and redefine what an airport can be. The new terminal will be built adjacent to the current airside terminal between concourses C and D, and will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, making trips quicker and more efficient.
The new terminal will feature a three-level bridge and roadway entryway, designed to complement the terminal in structure and aesthetics. The design includes columns, art, lighting, seating, landscaping, ceiling cladding, and other aspects chosen to provide a seamless passenger experience from bridge to terminal. The terminal will also incorporate natural elements, such as a wooden ceiling and columns that look like tree branches, and an outdoor terrace accessible to passengers.
The new baggage handling system will be faster, quieter, and more precise, increasing luggage scan speed and efficiency through X-ray technology and an automated high-speed diverter system. The system will also reduce physical strain on workers and save time for team members, airlines, and passengers. In addition to the new terminal, a new 3,300-space parking garage will be built, and the number of gates will be reduced from 75 to 51.
The new terminal is expected to cut the time from car to plane by half and will generate $1.6 billion in economic activity, as well as more than $28 million in state and local income taxes. The project is being funded by airline charges, airport revenues, and additional funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with no cost to local taxpayers. The new airport terminal will be a modern and efficient gateway to the Pittsburgh region, enhancing its competitiveness and serving its community.
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The terminal will cost $1.1 billion to construct
The Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a major transformation with a $1.1 billion terminal modernization project. The new terminal, set to open in 2025, will offer a seamless and efficient travel experience by consolidating check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility. This will significantly reduce travel time from car to plane, enhancing the airport's accessibility and convenience for passengers.
The $1.1 billion price tag for the new terminal includes various critical aspects of the project. Firstly, it covers the construction of a new landside terminal, which refers to the area where passengers arrive, depart, and transfer to their transportation. The current landside building may be demolished unless an alternative use is found. The new terminal will be built adjacent to the existing airside terminal, which is where aircraft are parked and passengers board and disembark.
The project also includes a new 3,300-space parking garage, improving convenience and accessibility for travellers. Additionally, the plan involves a three-level bridge and roadway serving as the entryway to the new terminal. This 1,300-foot bridge is designed to complement the aesthetics of the new terminal and seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure, including three active tunnels that will remain in use. The design carefully considers various elements such as columns, art, lighting, seating, landscaping, and ceiling cladding to ensure a pleasant and functional passenger experience.
The new terminal will also feature a range of technological upgrades. For instance, the baggage handling system will be upgraded to increase scan speed and efficiency through X-ray technology and an automated high-speed diverter system. This system will also improve the working conditions for staff by reducing the need for excessive bending. Any bag flagged for additional security evaluation will be automatically diverted to one of 30 new robots, which will deliver it to a mobile testing station, saving time for all stakeholders.
Furthermore, the terminal's design, coined as "NaTeCo" by airport officials and architects, elegantly incorporates elements of nature, technology, and community. The building will have abundant natural light and feature indoor landscaping, a wooden ceiling, and columns resembling tree branches to bring nature indoors. The technology aspect is reflected in the automated baggage systems, sidewalks, and state-of-the-art mechanical systems, enhancing the overall efficiency of airport operations. Finally, the community element aims to showcase Pittsburgh's friendly reputation by encouraging social interactions in the terminal's outdoor plazas and terrace.
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The terminal will feature a new baggage handling system
The new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport will feature a new baggage handling system as part of its Terminal Modernization Program. The new system will be faster, quieter, and more precise than the current system. It will increase luggage scan speed and efficiency through X-ray technology and an automated high-speed diverter system. The system will also be more ergonomic for workers, as the baggage belts will be positioned higher to reduce the need for workers to bend over to retrieve luggage.
The new baggage handling system will also include the use of robots. Any bag that is flagged for additional security evaluation will automatically be diverted and retrieved by one of 30 new robots, which will deliver the bag to a mobile testing station manned by the TSA. This will save time for team members, airlines, and passengers. Training on the new baggage handling system will be provided for airline services baggage handlers, airline ticketing agents, and ground crews.
The new baggage handling system is part of a broader effort to modernize and adapt the airport terminal to improve the passenger experience and update technology. The new terminal will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, making trips quicker and more efficient. The design will also feature additional space for concessions, an expanded TSA checkpoint, and separate levels for departing and arriving passengers.
The terminal is expected to cost $1.1 billion, with funding coming from airline charges and airport revenues such as parking, concessions, real estate income, and natural gas drilling royalties. Additional funding will come from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Construction began in July 2021, and the project is expected to be completed in October 2025. The new terminal is expected to cut the time from car to plane by half and will generate $1.6 billion in economic activity and $28 million in state and local income taxes.
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The terminal will have an outdoor terrace accessible after security
The Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a massive transformation with a $1.1 billion terminal modernization project. The new terminal, with a unique design coined as NaTeCo, will incorporate elements of nature, technology, and community. The terminal will be built adjacent to the current airside terminal, consolidating check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, improving efficiency and reducing the time from car to plane by half.
One of the standout features of the new terminal will be the outdoor terrace, which will be accessible to passengers even after they have cleared security. This outdoor space will encourage passengers to congregate and socialize, fostering a sense of community. The terrace will be designed to bring nature to the heart of the terminal, with landscaping and possibly a wooden ceiling and tree-like columns, reflecting the beauty of western Pennsylvania.
The outdoor terrace will offer passengers a peaceful and relaxing environment, providing a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of airport life. It will be a place where passengers can unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the airport's stunning natural surroundings. The terrace will be a unique selling point for the airport, setting it apart from other airports that often lack such outdoor spaces.
In addition to the terrace, the new terminal will feature an improved baggage handling system, faster and more efficient security checkpoints, expanded concession spaces, and a new parking garage. The terminal's design will also include a three-level bridge and roadway entryway, complementing the terminal's structure and aesthetics. The bridge will be carefully constructed around three active tunnels, ensuring a seamless passenger flow.
The Pittsburgh International Airport's transformation goes beyond just the terminal. The airport is also constructing an 80,000 sq ft cargo facility, enhancing its freight business. The new terminal and cargo facility are expected to boost the region's economy, generating $1.6 billion in economic activity and creating numerous jobs.
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The terminal will be designed with nature, technology and community in mind
The Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a $1.1 billion transformation, with a new terminal expected to be completed by October 2025. The terminal will be designed with nature, technology, and community in mind, incorporating elements of NaTeCo (an acronym for nature, technology, and community).
The new terminal will be built adjacent to the current airside terminal between concourses C and D, consolidating check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, making trips quicker and more efficient. The design will include natural light, landscaping, a wooden ceiling, and columns that resemble tree branches. The roof is intended to mimic the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, and the support columns will resemble tree branches. An outdoor terrace will be accessible to passengers, even after clearing security, encouraging community and socialisation.
Technology will be seamlessly integrated with automated baggage systems, sidewalks, state-of-the-art mechanical systems, and an increased number of mobile device charging stations. The new baggage handling system will be faster and quieter, with increased luggage scan speed and efficiency through X-ray technology and an automated high-speed diverter system.
The terminal will also feature a new three-level bridge and roadway entryway, designed to complement the terminal aesthetically. The bridge was carefully constructed around three active tunnels, which will remain in use until the new terminal opens. The terminal will also include additional space for concessions, an expanded TSA checkpoint, and separate levels for departing and arriving passengers, improving the overall passenger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a $1.1 billion terminal modernization project. The project includes a new terminal building, a new three-level bridge and roadway entryway, and various technological and community-focused upgrades. The new terminal will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, improving efficiency and the overall passenger experience.
Construction on the new terminal began in July 2021, and it is expected to be completed by October 2025.
The new terminal will be directly adjacent to the airside terminal, similar to most airports. It will feature additional space for concessions, an expanded TSA checkpoint, and separate levels for departing and arriving passengers. The baggage handling system will also be upgraded, with faster and quieter operations, improved scanning technology, and the use of robots for additional security evaluations.
The current airport was built to serve as a mega-hub for US Airways, with most passengers connecting flights without leaving the airside terminal. However, Pittsburgh's aviation needs have changed, and it is now primarily an origin and destination airport. The current terminal is aging and costly to maintain, with systems nearing the end of their useful life. The new terminal will provide a modernized, efficient, and adaptable space that better serves the region's current aviation needs.
