Airport Sinks ITS Teeth Into South Terminal Rebuild Project

Port Commissioner takes a bite out of Concourse A

(Seattle)--Driving a track hoe with jaws of steel, Port of Seattle Commission President Jack Block today formally began the demolition of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Concourse A, the first step in the airport's $375 million South Terminal Expansion Project.

Block guided the diesel-powered, tracked behemoth into position, and began taking huge bites from what was the airport's oldest concourse.

"The new Concourse A will rise from the rubble to become a marvelous facility," said Block. "It will be modern and efficient, and provide an appropriate welcome for those coming to our region."

The rebuilt Concourse A is scheduled to open in 2003, with 14 gates instead of the current seven. It will include moving sidewalks, restaurants and other retail services, a large arrivals hall, and a 5-story office building for Port and airline staffs.

"Many millions of passengers have traveled through the old Concourse A. It served us well. But it's time to modernize," said Block.

Today's groundbreaking was marked with a ceremony on the 8th floor of the airport's garage, overlooking the project area. Those present included federal and local officials who helped make the project a reality.

"This project will help spur competition in the airline industry," said Washington Senator Slade Gorton, chair of the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee. "More gates means more airlines serving the Seattle market. The resulting competition will hopefully mean reduced air fares for travelers."

During the construction, airlines previously located in Concourse A will be in either the South Satellite or Concourse B. That change has been in effect since the concourse closed in early September.

The demolition and rebuilding of Concourse A is just part of the airport's multi-billion capital improvement program that includes renovation of the Central Terminal, expansion of the garage, addition of a third runway, and more than 100 other projects.

"This airport is truly our region's front door," said Gina Marie Lindsey, Managing Director of Aviation for the Port of Seattle. "We want to create a facility that warmly welcomes first time arrivals, and makes returning passengers feel that they're home when they step off the airplane."

"The journey begins here, and we want it to be a comfortable and efficient journey for everyone who comes through our airport," said Lindsey.

Beyond just providing additional gates, Lindsey noted that the equipment to be installed at the new gates should further spur competition.

The Port will install common use terminal equipment, which means that any airline will be able to use any gate in Concourse A. No proprietary equipment will be allowed, and airlines will be permitted to lease gates for only as long as needed to service planes and get passengers on board.

"This is a small technical decision that we hope can have a significant impact on air fares," Lindsey said. "It will help assure that low fare and start-up airlines can find gate space and get a foothold in the Seattle market."

After his few quick bites, Block returned control of the track hoe to its regular operator. Crews expect to have the concourse and adjoining buildings completely demolished within just a few days.