New Edmonton International Airport terminal open for business

Edmonton International Airport’s (EIA) new terminal expansion for travellers flying to the U.S. officially opened on Feb. 11.

The 41,340-sq.-metre terminal expansion was built to accommodate record growth for U.S. travel at the EIA. The terminal was designed and built by Stantec, PCL Construction and the MMM Group, and is part of the EIA’s $1.1-billion airport expansion project.It was built using a sustainable design and will be one of the first airports built in North America that will formally apply for LEED certification.

The expansion includes an 11,000-sq.-metre U.S. Departures lounge that features an expanded U.S. Customs and Border Protection area, six gates dedicated to U.S. flights, the first two-storey Plaza Premium Lounge, a cushioned play are for toddlers, a hands-free video game station, workstations and lounge seats with plug-ins, four brand-name stores, four restaurants and three art pieces.

The architectural highlights of the terminal include a “living wall” that uses hydroponically-fed plants to improve indoor air quality, terraced roofs designed to maximize natural light and views of landscape, and a new entry for all passengers arriving on U.S. and international flights.
Other EIA projects scheduled for completion in 2012 include: a new Canadian Border Security Agency area, a domestic and international lounge and a central tower for housing NAV Canada air-traffic control and administrative offices.