The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has begun a $29.7 million improvement project at the Niagara Falls International Airport, featuring a new state-of-the-art terminal. Designed to better accommodate modern passenger jets and improve passenger’s security experience, the facility is scheduled to open July 2009.
State and local elected officials, as well as members of the business and tourism community, attended the May 16 groundbreaking. The new terminal at 69,430 square-feet will more than triple the size of the current one, with a second story to facilitate jet bridges. Security and processing operations will take full advantage of new technologies to make the airport efficient and user-friendly for passengers.
Gregory Stamm, NFTA chairman said, “This continues to show the NFTA’s dedication to the Niagara region. Just six months ago we opened a new Niagara Falls Transportation Center and enhanced local public transit. With this project we’re investing even more in the region, because it makes sense. Niagara Falls is on the move and the NFTA is going to do everything it can to stimulate that growth and development.”
The creative design of the new terminal will reflect the grandeur of the Niagara community, promoting a positive "Gateway Image" to the region. The two-gate facility will provide for efficient, customer friendly passenger processing, a two level layout for jet bridge boarding, food/beverage concessions, fully functional TSA inspection facilities, in-line baggage screening, eight stationary ticket counter stations, car rental and a multi-model Metro transit center.
The terminal will provide the operational capability to simultaneously process international and domestic flights and fully accommodate 747-400 and 757-300 aircraft. The innovative split-level holdrooms with initial seating for 280 (design provides for additional seating) will provide all passengers with an outstanding level of customer service regardless of aircraft size.
Henry M. Sloma, NFTA vice chairman said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression. With this new airport, we’re going to stun visitors before they even get to the Falls. We have, in our backyard, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Soon we will have a gateway worthy of that distinction and worthy of the people of this region.”
“This is an economic lift to the region,” NFTA Commissioner and Aviation Committee chairman, Carmen Granto said. “Each visitor to Niagara Falls spends at least $200 and thanks to this project, we are going to see more of them. This is also fantastic for residents who want to become tourists themselves. The new Niagara Falls Airport will be easy to use and a wonderful experience for any traveler.”
Stantec Consulting, whose portfolio includes airports in Vancouver, Chicago O’Hare, Edmonton and others, designed the new terminal. Functionally, the design takes cues from the Federal Aviation Administration and International Air Transport Association guidelines. Aesthetically, the roll of the Niagara rapids inspired the airport design. Flow – in terms of water, air and passengers – is the central theme.
Constructing the terminal is the job of Walter S. Johnson Building Company. A local firm, Walter S. Johnson started in 1923. They count renovation of the Crown Plaza Hotel and the Seneca-Niagara Casino and Hotel as two of their most recent achievements. They were also the company the U. S. Army Crops of Engineers turned to when, in 1968, the Falls needed to be ‘turned off.”
The NFIA is well positioned to take advantage of a new terminal. It is located within 500 miles of 55 percent of the U.S. population and 62 percent of Canada’s population. It is just 15 minutes from the Falls itself, and 10 miles from two international border crossings. At 10,000 feet in length, the airport already has one of the longest runways in the state, making it capable of accommodating the largest aircraft in the world.
Additional Contacts:
| Stantec Consulting | Walter S. Johnson Building Co. |
| Stanis Smith, Sr. VP | Edward H. Ihde, Sr. VP |
| 604.696.8000 | 716.283.8733 |
Construction is underway. Photos, July 21
Images as of July 7 Click on image to download high resolution .tff files
Air side
Ext. Canopy
Interior 1
Interior 2
Land side
Front
Runway view
Runway view2
