MEMPHIS, Tenn. (October 10, 2019) – Structural work has begun on Memphis International Airport’s (MEM’s) B Concourse modernization project. With demolition complete and below grade activity nearly complete, work now involves the use of large cranes to erect and set steel beams that will serve as the framework for the new concourse design. 

The recently completed demolition work consisted of removing the concourse level (i.e. roof, walls, flooring, etc.) of the Concourse B stem and southeast leg.

Construction crews are also currently in the process of completing underground utility work and a new roof has been installed on the Rotunda area. Work also continues on structural retrofits of the existing structure along with foundations for the new structure that will allow increased width and height.

The multi-year, multi-phase plan will involve the modernization of the spine and east leg of MEM’s B Concourse as well as consolidation of all airline, retail, and food/beverage businesses into the remodeled concourse. The redesign will include the addition of wider corridors, moving walkways, larger boarding areas, higher ceilings and increased natural lighting. The project will also feature much-needed seismic upgrades to the B Concourse.

MEM’s previous operational layout was ideal for hub operations. However, Delta Air Lines’ removal of its passenger transfer hub operations created a dynamic in which passengers, airlines, and retail and food businesses were spread out across three concourses. In addition, the nearly 50-year-old building was not built to modern seismic standards. Should the airport continue its passenger growth trends, additional gates will be available to accommodate more air service.  

“This is an important step as the reinvention of MEM becomes a reality,” said Scott Brockman, MSCAA President and CEO. “The end result will be a revolutionary new travel experience for Memphis passengers.”

Passengers can learn more about the modernization project at www.flymemphis.com/modernization or take a virtual tour at https://goo.gl/mFdLLk.

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Project Highlights

B Concourse features:

• Higher ceilings
 
• Increased natural light
 
• Wider corridors and larger gate areas
 
• Additional seating
 
• Additional moving walkways
 
• Additional amenities such as additional charging stations in gate areas
 
• Children’s play area
 
• Designed to modern seismic standards
 
• Stage for live music in the Rotunda area
 
• Additional lounge areas

B Concourse construction details:

• The stem and southeast leg of the B Concourse will be completely modernized.
 
• The southwest leg will only be utilized for international arriving flights and will not be redesigned during the first phase of modernization.
 
• There will be 23 gates available to airlines once the modernization of the B Concourse is completed. These 23 gates can accommodate about 3 million enplanements, about 50% more traffic than MEM currently has.
 
• Continued long-term growth at MEM could facilitate another modernization phase for the west leg of the B Concourse. This section contains about 15 more gates that could increase capacity for nearly 5.5 million annual enplanements.

Budget details

• The modernization project and associated enabling projects are expected to cost approximately $245 million.
 
• No local tax dollars will be used to fund the modernization project –the airport does not receive any local tax revenue.
 
• Project funding will include general airport revenue bonds, state and federal grants, passenger facility charges (PFCs) and other Authority capital funds.

After new B Concourse opens:

• Airlines will relocate to the B Concourse.
 
• The new B Concourse will feature new and enhanced retail and food options.
 
• Ticketing/check-in will continue in the A, B and C Terminals.
 
• Baggage claim for all airlines will be consolidated into the B baggage claim area, though the A and C baggage claim areas will remain open for passenger entrance and exit.
 
• Security screening is not anticipated to change and will primarily be consolidated to B, although a second security checkpoint at C will also be available for periods of heavy traffic.