Spokane International Airport Expands to Enhance Efficiency

Spokane International Airport (GEG) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its capacity and efficiency with the completion of the Concourse C West Terminal Expansion project on May 30, 2023. This milestone represents the halfway point in the first phase of the ongoing Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) program, which aims to modernize the airport’s facilities to better accommodate increasing passenger traffic. The new expansion focuses on improving operations and passenger experience, particularly for Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.

The necessity for these upgrades stems from an outdated terminal facility that lacks the capacity to meet growing demands. Passenger numbers at Spokane International have steadily risen, with records set from 2017 to 2019. The airport has since rebounded from the pandemic-related decline, reaching over 4 million passengers annually and expecting to serve approximately 6.2 million passengers by 2030. As Spokane Airport Board Chair Ezra Eckhardt noted, “We’re not just opening a new section of the terminal. We’re creating new economic opportunities for the Spokane community.”

New Features and Technology Enhancements

The renovation project has expanded the footprint of Concourse C by 144,000 square feet, with an investment of $150 million to date. Three new gates have been added, and existing gates will undergo upgrades to enhance passenger services. The ground level will feature three new passenger loading bridges, while the ticket counter area will be expanded to include six additional counter locations.

Several state-of-the-art features will also be introduced, significantly improving the passenger experience. These include:

– **Expanded accessibility**: Enhancements for passengers with disabilities, including in-floor hearing loops and companion care rooms.
– **Regionally sourced materials**: Fixtures will feature Montanan basalt tiles and custom mosaics representing local landmarks.
– **Nursing mother’s room**: A dedicated, spa-like environment designed for comfort.
– **Electrochromic smart windows**: These windows will adjust to manage daylight and glare, contributing to energy efficiency.
– **Upgraded restrooms**: Featuring contemporary designs and improved accessibility.

In addition to these features, a new baggage handling system and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructures are part of the overall plan. The airport also plans to implement gate hold technology aimed at optimizing air traffic flow, crucial for aligning departures with available capacity at destination airports.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The expansion is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the Spokane region, with nearly 1,200 new jobs anticipated and an estimated $87 million in additional household revenue. The total economic activity generated by the terminal addition is projected to be around $313 million in Washington State.

Funding for the TREX project has been secured through a combination of sources, including bonds, federal CARES funds, Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds, and a grant of $11 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminals Program awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration in July 2022. Construction has also supported local businesses, with the project designed by Minneapolis-based architecture firm Alliiance Co. and executed by a joint venture of Q&D Construction and Spokane’s Garco Construction.

As the TREX project approaches completion, anticipated by the end of 2023, the new facilities are expected to enhance not just passenger experience but also Spokane’s reputation as a key travel hub. With significant infrastructure improvements and a focus on sustainability—using materials sourced within a 500-mile radius—the airport positions itself to attract more business and leisure travelers.

The recent unveiling of the completed Concourse C has generated excitement in the community, with local officials expressing optimism about the long-term benefits. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “You are in for a treat when you see the finishings and you see some of the special amenities that are here for the traveling public.”

As Spokane International Airport continues to evolve, the enhancements promise to not only facilitate increased passenger traffic but also contribute significantly to the local economy, reaffirming the airport’s role as a vibrant gateway to the region and beyond.