Phoenix Airport inaugurates new concourse after investment of $310 million dollars
PHOENIX, AZ – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport opened a new concourse with the goal of offering better service to passengers.
According to the City Council, Phoenix Sky Harbor has an annual economic impact of $38 billion, and the new concourse features innovations and experiences that travelers will enjoy and remember.
“The concourse design emphasizes technology, sustainability and accessibility. Phoenix is showing its progress into the future in a way that lives up to its status as one of the world’s busiest airports,” said Mayor Kate Gallego.
“This is our next era in Phoenix, with new gates that bring a greatly enhanced experience for our customers and employees, and gives Southwest room to grow at Sky Harbor,” said Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines.
The new eight-gate concourse is occupied exclusively by Southwest Airlines. The 275,000-square-foot space features a variety of customer amenities, including access to charging stations at every seat, a pet relief area, a family restroom, a nurse’s lounge and hearing loop connectivity that will allow those with hearing devices to connect to the public address system.
In addition, the concourse will feature new local stores and restaurants, as well as an airport common room. Pedal Haus Brewery and Berry Divine – Acai Bowls will be in the new concourse, as well as concepts such as Bobby’s Burgers and Eegee’s, national chain Chick-Fil-A, Sip Coffee & Beer, Native Ground Coffee, Mother Road Brewing and Half Moon Empanadas.
The retail stores will feature 3,500 square feet of space to offer travelers a specially selected menu with a focus on local items.
The new concourse is also a showcase for the arts, featuring the 12th terrazzo floor that artists have designed for the airport and terminal improvements in the past 10 years. The art project consists of a 30′ x 300′ terrazzo floor and 28 2′ x 3′ terrazzo pieces in the shape of an airplane window called “Phoenix Lights, Phoenix Rising,” designed by artist Susan Logoreci.
Also, the new space is applying for LEED Silver certification, and features a number of sustainable elements, including 14,000 square feet of electrochromic glazing throughout the lobby. This smart technology provides various levels of tinting depending on the level of sunlight at any given time of day and not only helps keep travelers comfortable, but also improves energy efficiency.
Director of Aviation Services Chad Makovsky indicated that sustainability is a focus in all operations, which is why 95% of all construction waste has been diverted from landfills. A number of features throughout the facility are designed to reduce water use and conserve energy, and a special roof design has even been incorporated near the lobby entrance made from recycled plastic water bottles.
The deflector roof, called “The Diamondhead,” is inspired by the Imperial Sand Dunes west of Yuma and helps reduce noise levels and provide a quiet, stress-free environment for passengers.
McCarthy Construction is the general contractor for the project. Other project improvements include upgrades to the concourse baggage system, as well as a connecting bridge between Concourse D and Concourse A and a consolidated security exit. This makes it easier for passengers to pass between the north and south concourses after security in Terminal 4. The new $310 million Terminal 4 concourse has been paid for with airport revenues.
Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff