The board of directors of the Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) has given its formal approval to a plan that will see the current airport terminal almost double in size.
The expansion will cost an estimated $53-million and will see the existing terminal expand to 266,670 square feet from the existing 139,000 square feet and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2014.
“When completed, the public will be treated to a higher level of service, comfort and efficiency,” said SAA board chair Nancy Hopkins. “Most importantly, we will be able to offer much needed amenities and services for food, beverage and retail.”
The new terminal will also feature a pier design and will offer eight bridgeable gates along with three ground-load positions.
“It’s a big project,” said president and CEO Bill Restall, saying it is a bigger project than the last expansion in 2001 and their “efforts are focused to maximize comfort, efficiency and deliver a positive customer experience.”
The terminal expansion is part of a $105-million overall capital plan for the airport. Future plans include a parking structure and a privately funded integrated on-site hotel complex.
The SAA says the expansion will be funded through current airport revenues including the AIF fund.
Construction is expected to start early in 2012 and the SAA says there will be no construction disruption for passengers until after the winter charter program.
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