Airport Experience® News - Food & Beverage Issue 2025

LATEST BUZZ

“In 2017, we were experiencing significant growth and began a terminal study. In 2018, our consultant advised us that, based on our growth, we could not merely add on to the terminal; instead, we needed to build a new terminal,” says Bleiweis. “Then, just one year later in 2019, we experienced an astounding 43% increase in annual passengers, which included more and larger aircrafts, more cars in our parking lots and definitely many more people in our terminal,” said Bleiweis, adding that the AVL team “have been planning the new terminal to meet this moment, and also to take us into the future.” AVLForward’s upgrades will create anfacility that’s 150% larger than the current airport, adds Bleiweis, giving passengers 326,914 square feet to enjoy 12 new gates; floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the nearby airfield and Blue Ridge Mountains; a modern concessions plaza between the North and South Concourses with new dining and retail offerings; a stage that will feature pop-up events and live performances from local artists; new restrooms with smart technology and family restrooms with adult changing tables; two lactation suites; rotating public art both in gallery-grade art cases and large-scale commissioned works as well as “aesthetic design touches that reflect the natural beauty of the Western North Carolina region,” designed by architectural firm Gresham Smith , says Bleiweis. Design Details Locally focused design features include “river patterns in the terrazzo flooring, curved and lighted ceilings reflective of the more than 500 waterfalls in our mountains, and a living wall in baggage claim that will literally bring the lush, green forest floor landscape inside the terminal,” adds Bleiweis. “Passengers will also experience stacked stone walls, ‘tree’ inspired columns, and magnificent views that bring the stunning outside – inside.” The guiding vision for the facility’s interiors, adds Bleiweis, “was to design a welcoming airport passenger terminal humbly rooted in the area’s natural beauty,” adding that “Gresham Smith guided our team through a collaborative design process in which we gathered meaningful input from key stakeholders at the airport and in our region.” “The design of the new terminal expansion reflects the spirit of western North Carolina, guided by our overall design essence: a modern gateway humbly rooted in timeless natural beauty,” says Gresham Smith

principal Brad Sucher. “Unveiling stunning design elements that span breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this new terminal creates an authentic and welcoming atmosphere for travelers,” with “intuitive wayfinding elements integrated into the ceiling and floors that seamlessly guide passengers through the space, ensuring a smooth journey from check-in to boarding.”

Sucher notes that AVL’s “thoughtfully designed, column-free concourse provides an airy and open environment, allowing natural light to flood the terminal, enhancing the overall travel experience,” not only meeting “the growing demands of air travel,” but also celebrating “the unique character of western North Carolina.”

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AX NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2025