Airport Experience News Fall 2022

angle to cobble together the money needed to make a new terminal a reality. “We have been out soliciting funding for the terminal since 2014 and we’re finally at the point where we’re ready to start,” says Kevin Foley, airport director. “We’re going to have to do it in phases as we don’t have the $770 million that’s going to complete this project in its entirety.” The first phase will focus on the ticket counters, security screening checkpoint and baggage handling system. “Out of that we could get five, and potentially six, new gates, Foley says. Congestion is an ongoing challenge at DSW, prompting the need for the new terminal. “The primary concern is that we’re running out of space to park airplanes, and we have interest in additional passenger service,” Foley says, noting that “Des Moines is rapidly growing and the central Iowa region is rapidly growing, which has led to increased interest from airlines.

“There’s also congestion in the terminal itself,” he continues. “During peak periods we have passengers sitting on the floor of the concourse, and we’re out of restaurant space and restroom space. The amenities for passengers are stretched to the limit.” Finally, Foley says, it’s simply time to replace the 75-year-old current terminal. “Though it looks good, behind the walls the supporting systems are having some problems that would be very expensive to rehab,” he says. “It’s just time for a new facility.” Missoula’s New Digs A new terminal is also underway at Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), a project that will right-size and, more importantly, reconfigure the terminal to meet the needs of today’s travelers. Phase 1 of the project, which included ticket counters, a new security checkpoint, four departure gates and temporary baggage

claim and rental car facilities, opened in June of this year at a cost of $67 million. Currently underway is a deconstruction of the old terminal building to prepare for Phase 2, which includes a permanent baggage claim area, four additional gates, additional restrooms and a permanent rental car facility within the terminal. “That’s a $42 million project,” says Brian Ellestad, airport director. The infrastructure fund money awarded to MSO, totaling $11 million, will come in handy. “One reason why that discretionary grant was so important to us is that it allows us to honor our commitment to the airlines and not raise rates,” Ellstad says. “We’ll be able to

Below: Reconfiguration for today’s realities was a key driver in a new terminal currently being built at Missoula Montana Airport. The 75-year old existing terminal had space in all the wrong places, but the new facility will rectify that challenge.

19

A X N E W S F A L L 2 0 2 2