Pittsburgh International to open new terminal on Nov. 18
Kevin Motko has traveled through Pittsburgh International Airport plenty of times in his career, but he said he thinks the experience will change for the better next time he flies.
After four years of construction and more than a decade of work, Pittsburgh International Airport will open the doors to its newest terminal on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The terminal will feature improvements meant to modernize the airport.
“This is a new day for our region. This is an airport built for Pittsburgh, by Pittsburgh. It improves the passenger experience and ensures this region remains on a global stage,” Christina Cassotis, Pittsburgh International Airport CEO, said. “This terminal is industry-leading from its architecture that reflects our region, to amenities like outdoor terraces and a state-of-the-art baggage system, to a streamlined security checkpoint. The new terminal is emblematic of Pittsburgh’s modern innovation economy.”
For Motko, a county resident who frequently travels, his excitement stems from the possibility of a smoother and quicker experience for both arrivals and departures.
“I think overall, it’ll just be a lot more of a streamlined process,” he said.
According to Blue Sky News, one feature of the “modernized, state-of-the-art terminal” is a more streamlined security experience using 12 TSA lines, all equipped with the latest technology, compared to seven at the main checkpoint. The airport also touted a more efficient baggage delivery that is expected to cut delivery times in half.
“I think this will take out the unpredictability factor,” Motko said about the updated security. “You can sometimes show up two hours early and still have trouble getting through in time.”
The terminal will also offer outdoor terraces, 20 new or updated concessions, a new international arrivals experience and more.
“I think having more options will help, especially if there’s different price points offered,” Motko said.
Another feature touted is the Skybridge, which connects the new terminal to the current terminal. The article said walking through it is meant to invoke walking through a Pittsburgh street with lighting that mimics the region’s landscape.
A new terminal garage and lot will also open, offering 6,000 new parking spaces across the airport campus.
The terminal and its systems also recently underwent two large public trials which identified ways to modify the security layout and adjust way-finding and baggage claim.
According to the article, the $1.7 billion project generated 14,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in economic impact. The majority, 90%, of both the workforce and materials were sourced from the Greater Pittsburgh area.
“You will get a sense of what Pittsburgh is from the minute you land,” Cassotis said. “And I think Pittsburghers will be surprised that there’s as much to brag about and feel proud about, that we can tell other people about.”
