Anticipation is at an all-time high as 
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) nears the completion and opening of its new terminal. The airport hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, followed by an open house, where thousands of people attended.
The new facility is set to replace PIT’s current and aged terminal, which has been in operation for decades. Airport officials also expect the replacement $1.7 billion terminal will make the passenger experience more efficient, thanks to its proximity to the concourses.
A New Era For The Steel City
County executives and elected officials attended the ribbon-cutting event, which marked the beginning of PIT’s “new era,” according to the airport. The ceremony also provided the “opportunity to thank the many partners, stakeholders, and members of the community who have supported” its ongoing efforts to build the facility. It boasts modern touches, including large steel beams, constellation lighting, and outdoor plazas.
Despite being an international airport, PIT’s new terminal taps into its local and historical roots, with 90% of materials sourced from the region. Christina Cassotis, CEO of Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA), said the terminal’s steel beams were manufactured from the same facility that fabricated the steel for the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. She also touched on how the new terminal tells the story of Pittsburgh.
“Putting all of this on display here is really a way for people in this region to see themselves differently, to talk about ourselves differently, and to get the world to understand us differently right from the minute you step off the plane.”
But First: Dress Rehearsals
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the airport welcomed around 10,000 registered guests to explore the terminal ahead of its official debut. However, it was not the first time the public had been invited to a sneak peek of the facility. In September, PIT held its first public trial with 300 people to test the terminal’s check-in systems, TSA checkpoint, and baggage claim.
A second to-be-determined trial will be treated as a “full-scale dress rehearsal” with approximately 2,000 members of the public. Those attending – who have already been selected – are invited to bring carry-on bags to realistically simulate the look and feel of the space when it opens. As many as 18,000 people expressed interest in participating in the public trials, according to the airport.
PIT will seek feedback from the trial runs to determine if any last-minute changes are necessary before the terminal’s debut. While an opening date has not yet been set, more than 90% of the work is reportedly complete. It is forecast to officially open later this fall.
“We can go through a trial run so that day one is not the trial,” Cassotis explained. “So we will hold that trial and then shortly after open to the public.”
Passenger & Economic Impact
Along with the terminal’s spacious check-in area, it also includes an expansive main security checkpoint. Combined, the PIT says the time it takes to travel from curbside to airside will be reduced by 50%. For arrivals, the time to curbside will also be shortened. Since the terminal is situated much closer to the concourses, PIT’s underground train will no longer be needed. For international arrivals specifically, the airport says the time to curbside will be reduced by nearly 70%.
There is also an increased area for concessions and retail. The terminal’s pre-construction design phase generated just over 560 jobs, while the construction phase created 5,548 roles. In total, nearly 8,000 jobs were generated just to build the facility. Once the new terminal is opened, the airport authority expects another 14,000 direct and indirect jobs will be added.
Officials expect the transformation of PIT to deliver “long-term economic benefits” not only to the airport but also to the entire region. Approximately $2.5 billion in economic activity, along with $1 billion in direct labor income, will be generated. The overhaul also brings over $27 million in state and local taxes.
