Concourse A Expansion – Phase I at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) opened this morning to the public. The nine-gate, 229,807-square foot addition is the first completed project under the Destination CLT initiative, a $2.5 billion capital investment program to renovate the concourses and expand CLT’s roadways, curb front, airfield and terminal.
Charlotte Douglas last debuted mainline gates 16 years ago with the opening of Concourse D in 2002. The new expansion will increase CLT’s gate capacity by 10 percent.
The Airport celebrated this morning with passengers by passing out CLT branded items and self-guided tour cards detailing the additions special features.
Southwest Airlines was the first airline to operate on the new gates with a 5:20 a.m. departure today to Houston. JetBlue, Frontier, Air Canada and United airlines will relocate to the new expansion within the next two weeks.
Gate assignments are as follows:
- JetBlue Airlines – A22
- Southwest Airlines – A24 & A26
- City Gates – Frontier & Air Canada Airlines– A28 & A29
- United Airlines – A21, A23, A25 & A27
Special expansion features include 733 electrochromic window panes, each containing its own Mac address. The panes automatically tint according to sunlight exposure to control climate and light in the building.
Adding to the ambience, Interconnected, the largest public artwork of its kind in the nation and visible from both inside and outside the terminal, serves as the expansion’s focal point. Created by California artist Refik Anadol, Interconnected is a digital artwork comprised of three hi-definition LED media walls, measuring over 2,000 square feet, that display constantly changing dynamic abstract visualizations derived from airport operations data (flight arrivals and departures, baggage handling and ground transportation).
Terrazzo flooring spans the center walkways of the expansion to easily accommodate rolling luggage.
Another bonus for travelers, all 957 chairs in the gate seating areas have two USB ports and a power plug, allowing passengers to charge their various electronic devices without having to leave their seat.
Amenities include a Mother’s Room for nursing moms and a Pet Relief Area with an automatic flusher. Restrooms are equipped with modern finishes and water-saving toilets and sinks.
CLT’s signature rocking chairs scattered throughout the addition highlight the southern charm.
For shopping and dining, concession choices will include Panera Bread, Smashburger, TripAdvisor, Charlotte’s Landing, InMotion, Jamba Juice, The Body Shop, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Starbucks and the popular local brewery – NoDa Bar.
Aesthetically, the addition spans 110 feet, 30 feet wider than CLT’s other concourses for a wide open, spacious feel accented with high ceilings, scenic windows and 32-cast forged steel column bases custom designed for the expansion.
Overall cost of the project, which also includes construction of the concrete ramp and taxiway lanes, is approximately $200 million that will be paid for by CLT’s $3 per passenger facility charge and future general airport revenue bonds.
Turner Rodgers, a joint venture, were construction contractors for the expansion that was designed by C Design and Perkins+Will.
CLT follows a demand driven approach. Projects are built when the growth requires it. Charlotte Douglas plans to add up to 16 more gates to Concourse A by 2023 during phase two and three of the expansion. The Airport currently has 97 gates with the ability to accommodate 102 aircraft. In coming years, Concourses B, C and E also will be expanded for a total of 126 gates by 2025.
The Airport will begin renovations on the existing Concourse A in September that will include new ceiling tiles, carpet in the seating areas, wall panels, upgraded seating with integrated power, terrazzo flooring in the center walkway and fresh coats of paint. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines will occupy the gates when completed.
Meanwhile, renovations on Concourse B are scheduled for completion by early 2019. Crews also will begin renovations on Concourses C, D and E in 2019.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is an enterprise fund. As a self-supporting business, CLT uses no local tax money to pay daily operating costs. Funds come from Airport generated revenue, including parking, concessions, landing fees, rental cars, advertising, cargo and terminal rents and fees.
