Watch above: After months of renovations, the Saskatoon International airport terminal is ready to take-off. Joelle Tomlinson shows us around the expanded areas and outlines the new features.
SASKATOON – After 34 months of construction, renovations at Saskatoon’s John G. Diefenbaker International Airport are complete and the terminal is ready for take-off.
The new terminal features a brand new security scanning area, and an enhanced post-security area. New food and beverage options are available in the form of Starbucks and Refuel, a custom-designed restaurant that features built-in authentic aircraft parts. The bar bulkhead is a 27-inch plane wing from a DeHavilland Otter, believed to be a retired RCMP aircraft from the 1960s.
“As a sparkplug of the economic engine here in the community we needed to have a facility that allows for international trade and the movement of goods and people throughout the globe,” said Saskatoon Airport Authority CEO Steve Maybury.
“We now have a boost in services, and a boost in the facility.”
READ MORE: Phase one expansion at Saskatoon airport complete
Designed by the Kindrachuk Agrey team, the new terminal highlights the beauty of the prairies with massive windows that allow passengers to see the planes arriving and departing on the tarmac.
“I walk myself through a day in the life,” said prime architect Derek Kindrachuk. “We waated to ensure you can find your way through the terminal efficiently, in a stress-free way while still drawing on unique design concepts.”
Kindrachuk, along with designer Rebecca Genik, worked together to create a one-of-a-kind experience for those travelling to and from Saskatoon.
“The main corridor of the building has a fabric ceiling that emulates a jet stream,” said Kindrachuk. “As you come up the escalators you’ll find that jet stream starts low and takes off in elevation as you walk down the concourse of the building.”
Other features of the renovated airport include power outlets in all seating areas, a fireplace seating area, additional gates and loading areas and new retail services. Now the airport can service up to 10 airplanes at one time. In total, the entire project cost $53 million.
“The best part about this entire process was the collaboration,” said Maybury. “There was open communication between planners, business people and designers, and we managed to get everything done within budget, which is incredible.”
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