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Massport: Planning for the Future

Massport, Delta Announce New Terminal A

Governor Paul Cellucci, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Senator John Kerry today joined with government and aviation officials to announce that Massport and Delta Air Lines have reached an agreement to replace the outdated, 33 year-old Terminal A with a world class facility that will provide passengers with an attractive and efficient terminal while reducing airplane noise for local communities. The terminal is expected to cost nearly $390 million, of which Delta will pay about $335 million. Massport will own and operate the terminal, which is expected to be a national model for passenger- and environmental-friendly airport facilities.

The modern terminal will deliver a new level of customer convenience and efficiency and has a separate concourse designed as a physical sound barrier shielding the Jeffries Point neighborhood from aircraft noise. In addition, the terminal plans include:

new vehicle circulation patterns for quick, efficient drop-off and pick-up.
improved aircraft movement procedures and practices to cut down on emissions.
and design features to maximize "green" technology including the use of recyclable materials, natural lighting, energy conservation plans, and alternative fuel technology for vehicles servicing the terminal.

These features will result in reduced noise, long term benefits to the air quality, and a boost to Massports overall commitment to the environment and local neighborhoods. Throughout the design and permitting for the project, Massport and Delta will engage in a full Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process.

"Today we begin the process of replacing a relic of the 1960s with a 21st century passenger terminal. The new design recognizes that there are families and businesses nearby and reinforces our commitment to making Massport a green machine," said Massport CEO and Executive Director Virginia Buckingham. "I will continue to find innovative ways to control traffic, noise, and pollution and I applaud Delta for offering a first-rate facility that will serve its passengers and its neighbors."

Deltas new terminal will allow the airline to consolidate its operations and provide travelers with an efficient, hassle-free experience. The Terminal A of the future will likely consist of two structures, one of which (the satellite concourse) will run parallel to Harborside Drive and act as a sound barrier. The main terminal building will house Delta Shuttle, Delta Express and Delta Connection, offering easy access to public transportation and the garage. The two structures will be connected through a state-of-the-art tunnel and have access to Terminal B and Central Parking through enclosed walkways.

Construction to take down the obsolete terminal is slated to begin in 18 to 24 months after the normal environmental review process. The facility will be built in phases with all work scheduled to be completed by 2004. The construction of this crucial replacement project will employ thousands of subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants, and create between 350 and 650 construction jobs.

Under the terms of the agreement, Massport will own the terminal upon completion and lease the space to Delta. Massport will be responsible for the terminals daily operation, maintenance, and ground transportation. This agreement comes after more than five years of discussions on replacing the three decade old structure.