Six Boarding Gates, More Space For Cargo Ops Added

Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, KY has opened its Concourse B addition that has been under construction since July 2005. It includes six new passenger boarding gates, additional passenger seating, more restroom facilities and space for a new retail outlet scheduled to open in the fall of 2007.

Airport Executive Director Michael Gobb said of the $16.9 million project, "Blue Grass Airport previously had 9 boarding gates and 14 aircraft trying to use those gates each morning. This concourse addition will allow airlines to operated more efficiently today and allow us to accommodate new growth in the future. The new gates and loading bridges will add much needed seating and services for our passengers-especially during peak travel hours."

The new addition includes 26,400 square-feet of upper level for passengers and an 11,400 square-foot lower level for cargo loading operations enabling the airport to move more passenger and cargo aircraft.

The concourse is designed to incorporate the surrounding region with materials such as Kentucky limestone and terrazzo tile that is visually arranged to reflect Lexington's rolling hills and plank fences. At the end of the concourse, families can watch departing and arriving aircraft in a special "look-out" alcove, according to the company.

"These subtle touches make the airport's design unique and reflects the beauty of the Bluegrass," added Gobb. "As we enhance the terminal, we are incorporating regional elements into the architectural design so the airport has a lasting impression on visitors."

The airport will now begin renovations for the rest of Concourse B to match it to the new addition and the recently renovated Concourse C.

LEX is served by six major airlines, including American Eagle, Continental Express, Delta, Northwest Airlink, US Airways and United Express. It serves more than one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers each year, and houses the Aviation Museum of Kentucky.

FMI: www.bluegrassairport.com/