The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) in southern California has opened an environmental review process for a proposed expansion, which would include building a new passenger terminal. The airport plans to modernize its two existing commercial passenger terminals—Terminal 2 and Terminal 4—and build a third passenger terminal to be called Terminal 3. Terminals 2 and 4 have a combined 26 gates. “The new three-level Terminal 3 would have approximately 650,000 ft.2 of interior space,” ONT said. “Some of the gates would be equipped with multiple ... stands which can facilitate either two narrowbody or one widebody aircraft.” The project would also include “optimization of the airport's terminal roadways, curbs, vehicle parking, rental car facilities and aircraft apron,” ONT added. The airport said “specific designs and costs will be refined through the environmental review process.” ONT projects the expansion to be completed by 2036. “ONT's growth trajectory underscores the need for the project,” the airport said. “During peak periods, demand already exceeds the design capacity of our terminal facilities. As passenger demand continues to increase in the future, additional parking, ticket counters, restaurants, restrooms, gates and concession areas will be needed.” ONT currently handles around 7 million passengers annually. Southwest Airlines is the leading carrier at the airport with a 37.5% passenger share, followed by American Airlines at 17.2%, Alaska Airlines at 10.2%, United Airlines at 9.5% and Delta Air Lines at 8.6%.
Boeing started operations at its new MRO hangar at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). The hangar spans 48,000 m2 (517,000 ft.2) and can accommodate up to six aircraft simultaneously, including four widebodies and two narrowbodies.
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) was awarded $10.7 million in FAA grant money. The funds will come in three installments. The first $5.5 million is pegged to reconstruct 700,000 ft.2 of terminal space, including building new north and south airside terraces. Another $4 million has been awarded to rehabilitate 4,300 ft. of Taxiway B pavement and 3,000 ft. of Taxiway C pavement at the Pennsylvania airport. The final $1.2 million is designated to replace two emergency electric generators.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) said it has taken over full ownership of the on-airport World Cargo Centre. The 1,747 m2 (18,805 ft.2) site “plays a central role in freight handling at the airport,” LGW said. “The move brings one of London Gatwick's most strategically important cargo locations fully under the airport's operational control, helping safeguard the infrastructure that underpins international trade through the airport.” Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Pollard added: “Bringing the World Cargo Centre fully into our estate secures the infrastructure that already keeps goods moving, strengthens resilience, and ensures we are ready to support future growth.”
Fitch Ratings assigned an AA- rating to approximately $210.2 million of series 2026 airport revenue bonds to be issued by the city of Charlotte for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and affirmed the AA- rating on approximately $1.8 billion of outstanding parity bonds. “The positive outlook reflects Fitch's evolving view of the U.S. airport sector and CLT's strengthened financial profile,” Fitch said. “Broader economic factors and airline industry trends demonstrating the sector's essentiality and resilience across economic cycles and event-driven disruptions have bolstered portfolio ratings.”
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