Airport News

Philadelphia International Airport in US State Pennsylvania has opened its renovated hub in Terminal F, which receives around 18% (5.3 million) of the airport’s passenger traffic per year.

The hub, which forms the intersection of Terminal F’s three concourses, has doubled in size to 5,600m² and features four times as many food, beverage and retail offerings, as well as a food court seating area that has grown four times in size to 300 seats.

Opened this week (20 November), the hub is the largest phase and a major component of a US$127m (£78m) project to refurbish and expand Terminal F. The project also consists of a new baggage claim facility, additional security screening lanes, a new taxi stand on the arrivals road, and a corridor linking Terminal F with the rest of the airport on the secured side. Delivered in partnership with air carrier US Airways, the project is scheduled for completion in 2016.

Philadelphia Airport CEO, Mark Gale, said, “When Terminal F opened in 2001, it revolutionised the airport experience for travellers using US Airways Express by providing those customers with a state-of-the-art terminal. Over the years, Terminal F has become busier as US Airways Express operations have increased.
“In response to that shift in demand, the airport has partnered with US Airways on a major capital programme to greatly enhance the traveller experience. We are excited to offer this new facility and upgraded experience to the thousands of passengers who use Terminal F every day and look forward to continuing our work to serve the travelling public.”

Key features of the newly renovated and expanded hub include a 130m² art glass installation spanning the wall above the terminal’s shuttle bus doors. The artwork, commissioned by the Philadelphia Government’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy under the Percent for Art programme, features blue glass pieces and a panoramic satellite view of Philadelphia with an arrow pinpointing the airport’s location.

Terminal F also now offers a new service, At XpresSpa, where passengers can get a shave and take a shower.
New dining options have been introduced and include restaurant Local Tavern, which is run by American celebrity chef Jose Garces and has sockets for passengers to charge and use devices at every table.

Passengers can also opt for fast food from Good 2 Go and buy signature treats at the Philly Pretzel Factory. Merchandise, apothecary goods, reading materials, souvenirs and snacks are also available.

The hub’s mezzanine level has been expanded and renovated with new break rooms for US Airways employees and an updated US Airways Club lounge for customers, which has nearly tripled in size to 2,060m².