terminal-c-checkpoint-opens-and-eases-passenger-connections-7-28-11

Contact: Matthew Brelis, Richard Walsh
or Phil Orlandella
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Terminal C Checkpoint Opens and Eases Passenger Connections
$62 million Project Created 580 Construction Jobs

BOSTON – A 12-lane consolidated checkpoint in Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal C fully opened this month and provides security and customer service enhancements for passengers using the airport’s oldest terminal.

The new consolidated checkpoint, located directly behind the JetBlue ticket counter, replaces two different checkpoints that had served a total of 21 gates for Cape Air, JetBlue and United Airlines in two different concourses in Terminal C. Now passengers will be able to connect to most other flights within the terminal seamlessly because it eliminates the need for additional screening. The $62 million project included $25 million for new energy efficient HVAC, lighting and control systems, as well as new metal panels for the convex ceiling, giving the main ticketing hall a new look and increased energy efficiency.
More than 580 people were badged to work on the project and during the busier periods there were more than 130 tradespeople working on site per shift.

“Capital projects such as this are critical to job creation and economic development for the region,’’ said Interim CEO David Mackey. “This project created hundreds of construction and related jobs and will continue to provide growth opportunities for airlines at Logan.’’

“With 12 lanes we can more efficiently balance the flow as passengers head to the United, JetBlue and Cape Air gates,’’ said Ed Freni, Massport’s Director of Aviation. “Most importantly, the project will make it easier for Terminal C passengers to connect to other flights within the Terminal because it eliminates the need for additional screening.’’

“The new consolidated checkpoint in Terminal C provides a brighter and more spacious security area for passengers,’’ said George Naccara, TSA Federal Security Director. “In addition, improved lighting, added lanes, and new technology will provide a better customer experience before, during and after the security evaluation process. TSA is excited about the new checkpoint and credits Massport management for their vision and dedication to improving conditions for the traveling public.”

"Logan International Airport is where it all began for Cape Air twenty-two years ago with our first route into Boston from Provincetown," says Cape Air founder and CEO State Senator Dan Wolf. "This new checkpoint at our Terminal C location will significantly improve the flying experience for our passengers traveling between Logan and the Cape and Islands, northern New England and up-state New York. It is now also an easy and seamless transfer for our passengers connecting from our travel partners, JetBlue and United."

“JetBlue has grown exponentially over the last few years, and by the end of this year we plan to offer non-stop service to 43 cities across the country and throughout the Caribbean and Mexico – more destination options than any single airline in Logan’s entire history,” said Ian Deason, JetBlue’s Boston airport director. “Our team has worked closely with Massport in the planning and implementation of this tremendous project and thanks to their efforts we look forward to even more growth in the future. Our customers and crewmembers can enjoy a simpler and more welcoming airport experience when they connect through our Boston focus city.”

“Thanks to the team at Massport for working to make it easier for our customers when traveling through Logan,” said United’s general manager of Airport Operations, Mark Hussey. “We look forward to working together in the future to continue improving the travel experience for our Boston customers.”

The project repositioned many of the Terminal C concessions from pre-security to post-security, which is what passengers prefer. Finish work continues on many of the concessions and they will be coming on line later this year. The popular Terminal C Kidport is now open behind security with new play structures, rubberized flooring and ceiling treatments that depict a midday sky.

In all, the project involved 140,000 square feet, including 80,000 for the new consolidated checkpoint, 30,000 of which was new space and the 50,000 square feet was extensively renovated. The main ticketing hall, which is 60,000 square feet, got a makeover as well.

The centerpiece of the new checkpoint is a 4,100 square foot glass wall post-security that provides a view of the gates areas, the airfield and Boston Harbor. The glass contains strips of color which add a festive splash and are evocative of the refraction of sunlight. The colored bands are mimicked in the terrazzo floor. The high ceilings and lighting in the shape of aircraft horizontal stabilizers is intended to evoke flight. On the exterior of the glass wall there are infrared sensors that will trigger a wall of water to cascade down the exterior of the main window in the event of a fire by one of the gates.

This project is one of more than 360 in our five year $1 billion capital plan and we expect the plan to sustain the equivalent of 1,244 full time construction jobs. The Terminal C checkpoint and associated lighting, HVAC and ceiling work was funded with $25.4 million in PFCs and $36.6 million in Massport bonds. Massport is financially independent and receives no tax revenue from the Commonwealth. It is supported by the rates and charges it collects from users of its facilities. Boston Logan, 15 minutes from the intersection of Route 128 and I-90 and five minutes from downtown Boston, serves as the gateway to the New England region and offers nonstop service to 70 domestic and 32 international destinations and in 2010 handled 27.4 million passengers. Boston Logan is the Air Line Pilot Association’s Airport of the Year for 2008 because of its commitment to safety. Over the past decade, the airport spent $4.5 billion on a modernization program that includes new terminals, parking facilities, roadways and airport concessions, and has been transformed into a world-class 21st Century facility. The airport generates $7 billion in total economic impact each year.

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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.

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