The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today unveiled a spectacular new departure hall at Logan International Airport's Terminal E. With soaring ceilings, warm wood paneling, built-in artwork and breathtaking views of the city skyline, the departure hall will send international travelers off in style. Massport is conducting the final tests on the computer system and state-of-the-art baggage system to ensure a smooth transition to the new space. The tests are the final step to be completed before the first phase of Massport's International Gateway Project, which includes the new departure hall, baggage system, retail court and two-level terminal roadway, open on Monday.

"Now travelers departing Logan to see the world will have a truly world-class send-off. This facility combines the latest technology with all the amenities that make a passenger's trip more enjoyable," said Massport CEO Craig Coy. "It has taken years of coordination and planning and hard work to get to this point, but we are certain travelers are going to like what they see."

The International Gateway Project is a key element of the $4 billion Logan Modernization Program. The $321 million International Gateway is one of the most challenging construction projects ever undertaken by an airport operator. The project called for the reconstruction and expansion of Terminal E in and around the existing terminal while keeping it safe, open and operational. More the 14 million passengers passed through Terminal E during the four-year construction period.

In addition to the ticketing hall, Massport will also open a new two-tiered roadway which will for the first time separate the arriving and departing passengers who use Terminal E each day and ease the roadway congestion that has occurred for years in front of Terminal E.

Phase I of the International Gateway project features:

96 modern ticket counters spanning more than 600 feet across
400,000 square feet of new space featuring a new restaurant, bar and stores
121,000 square feet of exterior glass providing views of Boston
A fully-automated inline bag screening system that scans every piece of checked luggage offering passengers one-stop check-in (bags are all scanned automatically once they are placed on the baggage belt behind the ticket counter)
The latest Transportation Security Administration security check point with 7 lanes
Two-level roadway providing travelers with separate departure and arrival areas, easing congestion and making pick-up and drop-off more convenient
A separate curb area for taxis

Passengers will begin transitioning to the new departures area on Monday, May 19, 2003. Over the course of the next week, airlines will begin using the new ticketing hall for departing passengers.

Once this new a facility is open construction will begin on Phase II of the International Gateway. Phase II will enhance the experience for arriving passengers similar to the improvements Phase I made for departing passengers.

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