Quote:
Originally Posted by Austin1971
Everything I've heard is that the next phase for expansion will be to build piers off the exisiting terminal. A new midfield terminal is an option but the airport would need a commitment from an airline prior to it being built. Essentially an airline would have to make ABIA a hub for that to occur. Time will tell.
Also the terminal's current configuration was never intended to handle wide-body aircraft. Not only are the gates too closely positioned, the internal roadway system is too small. The new BA flight will introduce cargo containers which the airport was not designed to handle. The Tug tunnel running the length of the terminal is too narrow and will not allow two-way travel while a container is be transported for loading/unloading of luggage. This will be a problem. But like anything else the port will adapt and manage. It's a good thing to have because it means the airport is booming and growing faster than originally planned. If the BA flight is a success it won't be long before other carriers begin to contemplate serving Austin. Korean Air, Japan Airlines and Emirates are 3 that we may someday see serving Austin. The Dreamliner is a game changer and Austin is going to benefit greatly from it.
|
I love the idea of Korean, Japan and Emirates looking into Austin as possible route expansions. However, I see Korean and Japan far more likely than Emirates. Austin does not have the numbers in oil and gas businesses to sustain that route. And, if I'm not mistaken, I thought I read that Seoul was the 3rd or 4th most popular international destination of passengers originating out of ABIA.
As for expansion, the original plan (when the airport was designed in the mid 90's) was to have two additional concourses protrude out from the current terminal. Since then, I thought that the new master plan for ABIA was to complete the extension of the east concourse of the Jordan terminal (which is in the works). Then, when necessary, construct a completely new South Terminal. After that terminal was extended as far as designed, the next step was to begin construction of up to two midfield terminals/concourses between the two terminals. All would be connected by underground transport ("train") and road network.
I'll have to find the "recommended" plan...describing the aforementioned (Concept A-07A).
At total buildout, ABIA could have as many as 120-150 gates (based on the "recommended" plan with expansions to the South Terminal and the two midfield concourses).
EDIT: Refer to
Concept A-07A...In this concept, notice the two dotted midfield terminals which could be constructed at a some point in the future.