BOSTON - The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today voted to approve a $30 million partial budget to create and/ or reconfigure approximately 130,000 square feet at Terminal E. The goal of the project is to provide the required services to accommodate the A380, the largest commercial airplane in service.

The Terminal E improvements, part of a $100 million program announced by Governor Deval Patrick earlier this year, will reconfigure three existing gates’ space to add two new jet bridges at each gate; add departure level holding rooms and deplaning areas as well as modify aircraft taxi lanes on the existing apron to fit the A380. The program will also include renovations of the existing Immigrations and Customs area at the west end of terminal; provide additional concession and support space; and add a third level for new airline clubs.

“International flights are the largest growing sector at Logan, with one in five passengers traveling abroad,’’ said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “We need to do our part to keep up with the industry and our carriers’ needs. This project reflects our continued effort to improve infrastructure that helps grow the region’s economy, improve our customers’ experience, and be a good neighbor.’’

The Airbus A380 is currently the largest commercial aircraft in use and five international carriers that fly into Logan have either purchased or ordered A380 aircraft (Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic). Carriers are looking to larger aircraft so they can carry more passengers and cargo with greater fuel efficiency. For example, British Airways flies a Boeing 747-400 internationally with 299 passengers vs. 469 on the A380 version they fly internationally. The wingspan and height of the A380 is the main reason for the project. The A380 is 24.1 meters high and 79.8 meters wide, while the 747 is 19.4 meter high, 64.4 meters wide.

At today’s meeting, the board welcomed a new member. Liz Morningstar, the CEO of the Boston Public Market Association, will be taking the place of member Kathy West who is stepping down. Morningstar’s experience working on the Boston Public Market, a 28,000 square foot retail location near Haymarket in the spring of 2015, is essential as Massport is looking to improve the retail experience for both customers and carriers at Logan.

Massport is governed by a seven member Board, six members are appointed to staggered, seven-year terms by the Governor of Massachusetts. The seventh member is the Secretary of Transportation and serves ex officio. All members serve without compensation. Massport's Chief Executive Officer serves at the pleasure of the Board and is responsible for implementing the Board's decisions and carrying out its agenda with the assistance of Massport's executive staff.

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The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities. For more information please visit massport.com.

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