The work on the new terminal, built by a joint venture between EllisDon Construction and Man-Shield Construction, is on schedule, say airport officials.
Despite rumors to the contrary, the Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) confirmed in its annual general meeting that the new terminal building at the Richardson International Airport will welcome its first passengers in 2010.
Though no specific opening date has been set, Barry Rempel, president and CEO of the WAA, confirmed that they do not want to open it on the busiest day of 2010.
The redevelopment program will providing connectivity to the landscape and visual activity of the airport. Upper level roadway, central utility building and utility tunnel are also constructed as a part of the project.
The open space will provide visual clues for ‘intuitive’ way finding and significantly improve the ability of the customer to move from one location to another conveniently.
The new terminal will also see wider passenger circulation corridors, larger boarding lounges and lobby spaces to provide more seating and queuing space to improve passenger comfort and reduce peak time congestion. A range of concession services, including restaurants and retail shopping will also be provided to the passengers as a part of the plan.
The terminal will have a common-use baggage handling system to improve efficiency for carriers. Complying with the safety requirements, it will provide accuracy and convenience for passengers. The pre-board screening will be centralized instead of having separate entrances for domestic and international flights.
The airport will also see expansion of customs facilities to improve passenger convenience and reduce processing waiting time.
Adding that the occasional hiccup with the construction of the $585 million facility is normal to any big project, Rempel says that completing a building that meets all of the necessary requirements, from a security, passenger safety, overall convenience and logistics point of view is of utmost importance.
