Inside Pittsburgh Airport's $1.1 Billion New Terminal Project

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh International Airport was considered revolutionary when it opened, uniquely sporting a landside terminal handling ticketing, baggage claim and security checkpoint and an airside building with a stores, restaurants and flight gates.

But that was 1992. The aviation industry has changed drastically since then, as has Pittsburgh’s aviation needs. That’s why Allegheny County Airport Authority officials are forging ahead with plans to build a new $1.1 billion terminal that will connect to the existing airside terminal.

Construction is expected to begin on the 635,000-square foot building next year and it’s expected to open in 2023. It will include all of the operations currently housed in the landside, but will be vastly different from the building it is replacing.

Why Replace Landside?

Paul Hoback, the Allegheny County Airport Authority’s chief development officer and the authority’s point man on the new terminal project, said airport and airline officials began discussing the airport’s long-term future in 2014. He noted the airport’s mission has changed dramatically since its opening three decades ago.

“The airport was built to be a mega-hub for US Airways, where the majority of passengers landing at one gate and then boarding at another and never leaving the airside terminal,” he said. “Currently we’re a strong origin and destination airport, with 98 percent of our traffic either starting or ending their trip in Pittsburgh.”

The baggage conveyance system between the two terminals is nearing the end of its useful existence, Hoback said. The people mover carrying passengers from airside to landside costs $3 million annually to operate and requires even more expensive capital upgrades every five to seven years.

“These are aging systems that are very costly to operate and maintain,” he said. “Ultimately, the decision was made to move forward to one larger terminal building.”

The new terminal will be built adjacent to the current airside terminal between concourses C and D. When that happens, the existing landside terminal will be repurposed or razed.

The airport will retain its center core and the airside terminal’s “X” design. The amenities offered there, such as free Wi-Fi, many charging stations and regular cultural and performing arts offerings, will continue.

Many Passenger Benefits

Authority officials expect the new terminal will cut curb to airside times for passengers by 50 percent. The new terminal will have three times more covered parking spaces than the current landside terminal. The facility also will have enhanced Transportation Security Administration screen technology and new passenger check-in and baggage claim areas.

While the designs are subject to change, current plans call for separate levels for arriving and departing passengers; an expanded TSA checkpoint; shorter walking distances for arriving and departing passengers and expanded concession and artwork space.

Passengers also no longer will have to ride the aging tram between two terminals.

Airport officials and architects coined the term NaTeCo for the new terminal’s design, which incorporates elements of nature, technology and community into the building.

“We want to bring nature inside the terminal, not only from natural light via a great deal of glass, but also creating that nature inside through landscaping, through a wooden ceiling, through columns that look like trees,” Hoback said.

The technology will come through automated baggage systems and sidewalks, state of the art mechanical systems and considerably more mobile device charging stations.

The community aspect will attempt to convey that Pittsburgh “has the friendliest people in the world,” Hoback said, by encouraging people to congregate in the terminal’s outdoor plazas and terrace.

Economic Impact

In terms of long-term economic benefits to the region, authority officials estimate the new terminal will generate $1.6 billion in economic activity, generate more than $28 million in state and local income taxes.

Authority officials believe the terminal construction will add 11,000 direct and indirect jobs to the region. About 6,000 temporary design and construction jobs are expected to be created as the project advances, with most of those arriving when the construction phase begins next year.

Hoback noted that all of these benefits will come without any local tax dollars being invested in the project. “People usually are surprised when they hear that,” he said.

Instead, the new terminal will be funded by airline charges and airport revenues such as parking, concessions, real estate income and natural gas drilling royalties.

Airport officials see the construction of a modern, more efficient terminal at no cost to local taxpayers as a win-win.

“We’re certainly excited about this project,” Hoback said. “There’s no doubt it will be transformative to the front door of the region. We think this is going to be a game-changer.”