The City of Long Beach shared an announcement about its new concourse that the public will enjoy starting Wednesday and just in time for the holiday passenger crunch. Here's the city manager's office news story:
The Long Beach Airport on Wednesday cut the ribbon on its new concourse that is modern, comfortable and inviting, with a variety of amenities including local eateries and retail outlets.
The concourse is scheduled to open to the flying public on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
“This beautiful new concourse mark the latest chapter in the illustrious history of aviation in Long Beach, which has been flying high for more than 100 years,” Mayor Bob Foster said. “We are transforming our airport into a world-class gateway to the great City of Long Beach.”
The 35,000-square-foot facility was designed to maintain the airport’s charm and ease of use, while accommodating 3 million annual passengers. It includes a state-of-the-art consolidated security screening area, spacious boarding lounges with improved seating, quality concessions featuring local businesses.
“The airport and the City of Long Beach have grown hand-in-hand over the years,” said Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, who represents the 5thDistrict. “The new concourse helps the airport honor its remarkable history, while moving forward and ensuring that every passenger has the best experience possible. We should be very proud of this accomplishment.”
The concourse replaces two temporary holdrooms where passengers used to assemble before boarding their flights. Now passengers will enjoy a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere as they walk through an open courtyard with firepits, an atrium and a garden with native vegetation.
“Our Long Beach Airport will now truly be world class,” said Director Mario Rodriguez. “And not world class because it copies someone else’s image of what world class is, but world class because it redefines it.”
Additional features of the new concourse include:
· Passenger seating is bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of the airfield.
· Free Wi-Fi.
· Green technology integrated throughout the facility.
· A rooftop solar array will offset 13 percent of the facility’s power demand.
The Long Beach Airport and businesses at its complex support 43,000 jobs and generate more than $11 billion into the regional economy.
The concourse was completed five months ahead of schedule and on budget. The $45 million project was funded by General Airport Revenue Bond and Passenger Facility Charges.
The new concourse is a part of the Airport Modernization Plan, which also includes the historic terminal modernization; green airport initiatives; a new parking structure; and air carrier ramp improvements.
