MBS International Airport's new terminal is taking shape.
The airport commission says this replacement terminal will draw more people to the Great Lakes Bay Region and serve as a long-term solution for an ever-changing airline industry.
The nearly $50-million terminal, expected to open in 2013, is right on schedule says airport manager Jeff Nagel. "I think we hit a home run with it," says Nagel.
You'll notice walking into the main entrance, to the soon-to-be ticket counter, through security, to the waiting area, and to the baggage claim, there is no escalator and no stairs. All of the spaces are on the same level.
"We talked to passengers. We talked to users, and they said the same thing, "Keep it convenient," says Nagel.
The new terminal is 75,000 square feet. That's 10,000 more than the old one.
The original features three passenger boarding bridges. The new one has four.
It also gives plenty of room for security screening. That's one of the criticisms from the old building that opened in 1965 before screening was mandatory.
"This building, we tried to build in as much flexibility as possible, in particular for security, because we don't know what's coming down the line."
The project received money from the FAA Improvement Program.
Airport officials say MBS operates without local taxpayer support and did not borrow money for the project.
The airport will use the same run-ways.
It has not decided what it will do with the old building and property.
