Louis
Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Announces North Terminal Project
Gate Expansion
NEW
ORLEANS – Today, Mayor
Mitch Landrieu and the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB) announced a five gate
expansion of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport North
Terminal Project, bringing the total number of gates from 30 to 35.
In January 2016, Mayor
Mitch Landrieu joined the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB), regional elected
officials, business and tourism leaders to break ground on the new North
Terminal complex. The brand new, world-class airport terminal will serve as a
crucial economic driver for the New Orleans metropolitan region and provide a
lasting impression to visitors due to its modern design and open architectural
concept.
“This gate expansion is
great news for our city and state,” said Mayor Landrieu. “We are growing at a
record pace. In 2016, the growth of the Louis Armstrong International Airport
exceeded our expectations yet again. With increased service via 17 airlines and
59 non-stop destinations, including 7 international destinations, we have hit
the triggers for additional expansion.”
Announced in April 2013,
the new North Terminal will be constructed on the north side of the existing
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) property, creating over
13,000 new construction jobs and significant opportunities for local businesses
and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in the region. In total, the
approximately 820,000 square-foot terminal will feature 35 gates, a 2,200-car
parking garage, a central utility plant and a ground transportation staging
area.
The
anticipated funding of the $110 million expansion will be through airport
bonds. The project is on track to be complete in October 2018.
Mark Reis, Interim
Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said, "Our growth has surpassed
all previously forecasted data. Today, we have more airlines and non-stop destinations
than ever before. Based on this growth, we updated our activity forecast which
showed that expansion plans need to begin sooner than originally
anticipated."
Cheryl
Teamer, Chair of the New Orleans Aviation Board said, “The North Terminal Project
always included the option to expand to as high as 42 gates. Due to our current
passenger traffic and anticipated future growth, a five gate expansion is
necessary to handle continued growth in the facility."
Monica
del Rio, Southwest Airlines Regional Leader and Airline Chair of the North
Terminal Steering Committee said,
"As Louis Armstrong International Airport continues to grow, airlines are
able to add more services connecting people to what's important in their lives.
As we've seen an increased demand for travel to New Orleans from around the
world, many airlines are looking forward to providing the service that's
meaningful to their customers."
NEW
ORLEANS CITY COUNCIL
New
Orleans Councilman Jared Brossett, Chair of the Transportation and Aviation
Committee said, "The
North Terminal Project at Louis Armstrong International Airport is bringing a
world-class airport to a world-class city. It will expand tourism
opportunities, better accommodate business and leisure travelers, and be a
beautiful first impression for our visitors. With the addition of 5 more gates,
the new terminal will now feature at least 2 new concourses and 35 gates. This
exciting expansion is in line with the overall redevelopment plans for the
airport. As New Orleans continues to be
a premier destination, the goal is to make the airport experience more
efficient and pleasant for all travelers.”
Councilmember-at-Large
Jason Rogers Williams
said, “Louis Armstrong has continued to meet and fly through benchmarks set
before it. The sustained growth of our airport is an encouraging sign of
progress. Investing to improve accessibility to New Orleans benefits our
citizens and businesses alike. I’m proud of our dedication to structural and technological
advancement to allow us to compete with our neighbors in the region and
nationwide.”
District
C Councilmember Nadine M. Ramsey
said, “The growth in services at the airport is an indication of the growth of
our local economy. It is important that we continue to take the necessary
steps to accommodate and encourage business development. I support the
expansion of the airport and look forward to this being an economic opportunity
that benefits the entire community.”
CITY OF KENNER
Mayor E. “Ben” Zahn, III said, “I commend Mayor
Landrieu and the Aviation Board for their vision and ability to 'see around the
corners.' Pulling the trigger on this additional expansion is well received by
the City of Kenner. Taking this decisive action allows the joint venture
contractors to seamlessly add the new gates without having to remobilize in the
future. We will continue to work with NOAB in this most important project for
our city and the region as a whole.”
Councilwoman-At-Large, Division A, Maria DeFrancesch
said, “The expansion of the New Orleans International Airport has generated an increased
interest in the airline industry, bringing in many new airlines. The City will
continue to work with the airport to insure the expansion of the airport will
be a positive for the citizens of Kenner.”
NEW
ORLEANS DELEGATION
State
Senator Conrad Appel
said, "No economic region can be competitive unless it has efficient and
convenient air connectivity. The reconstruction of Louis Armstrong
International Airport and the concurrent expansion of air carrier service
prepares this region to meet the challenges not only of the present, but also of the
future. "
State Senator Troy Carter, Sr. said, "In order for any city to
reach its complete international star quality, a world class airport is essential.
As a member of the Louisiana State Senate, I was proud to help direct the
necessary funds to assist with this growth and development. I believe that the
actions that have been taken and are scheduled to be taken will serve as an
incredible asset for the entire Gulf Coast."
State Representative Jimmy
Harris
said, "I'm excited about the expansion to our airport. New Orleans is a
world class city that deserves a world class airport."
State Representative Walt
Leger said "New
Orleans has always had the unique distinction of serving as a global gateway to
the South. The 2016 expansion of the Louis Armstrong International Airport
solidified this role and has ushered us into the next era of increased
connectivity. The construction of a new terminal and five additional gates will
ensure that 2017 is a year of opportunity, growth and prosperity for all New
Orleanians."
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