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| Lambert-St. Louis International Airport 314-426-8000 or Hotline: 314-426-8111 10701 Lambert International Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63145 "When you think Saint Louis, think Saint Louis Front Page," a weekly publication covering the news and events in the greater St. Louis area. |
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by Betty Moore, SLFP.com ST. LOUIS (SLFP.com), February 18, 2010 - In a highly competitive market, the passenger experience can be a avaluable asset in the future of an airport that served more than 12.5 million passengers in 2009. Lambert-St. Louis International Airport will spend $50 million over the next two years in modernization projects to improve passenger services and airport operations. "These projects will breathe new life into the facility while preserving its history," said Lambert Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge during a press conference in Concourse A. Lambert needed to be competitive, said the director, adding that it was imperative to look at a stronger strategy over the next decade to market the airport to consumers and airlines. "We need to try and compete to bring service back in," the director emphasized. "There are three components. It's the price of competitiveness which we know we have to be, it's the operational and logistical strengths of this airport and then it's the experience." Lambert's iconic Terminal 1, known as the Main Terminal, was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki in 1956. Citing the age of the airport, the director stated that it was not possible to go out and build a new airport, but certainly a $50 million renovation would go a long way to make the airport competitive with the rest of the carriers in the market. The renovation will kick off in fall of 2010 with a major visual transformation of the A and C Concourses, which serve a majority of Lambert's airlines. The interior roof structure of the concourses and all metal surfaces (doors, columns, air supply ducts) will be painted to coordinate with new tile flooring, new ceilings and a more efficient circular pendant lighting system. All concourse restrooms will be updated with Terrazo flooring, new wall tile, new countertops and sink fixtures. The airport will also install new signage and directories. Other improvements in Terminal 1 include:
The director said that some of the renovation has already begun, including the installation of a new baggage system in Terminal 1 and the interior restoration of the terminal's domed ceilings. The domes now feature skylights with programmable LED lighting, a design feature that will be replicated in the columns caps in the lower level. Lambert has also begun the installation of new roadway signage along Lambert International Boulevard to improve navigation for motorists to and from the Airport. Phase I is expected to be completed in about six months. Prior to the start of Phase II, Lambert will move gate operations for AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, Cape Air and incoming Midwest Airlines to the C Concourse. This aspect of the project will give the passengers on these airlines more convenient access to restaurants and retail shops. See related story: KCI Airport Receives Top Rating on Passenger Operations
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com) - Lambert has grown from a balloon launch location called Kinloch Field to a major transportation center. The originally hayfields were purchased by Major Albert Lambert and renamed it Lambert Field in 1920. The airport has played an important role in air transportation. Col. Charles Lindbergh departed from Lambert Flying Field in 1927 St. Louis for New York to begin his historic non-stop solo flight to Paris, France. The addition of all new signs now makes it possible for Lambert to adopt numerical terminal designations which are commonly used because they are sign friendly, easier to understand and easier to remember. The "Main Terminal" will become Terminal 1. The "East Terminal" will become Terminal 2. Other features of the new signage program includes simple consistent messaging, color-coded symbols, distinct interstate signage, airline terminal locations, improved car rental signage and improved parking lot information. For more information on flights and services at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, log onto www.flystl.com | |
How To Reach Us: St. Louis Front Page P.O. Box 1354 St. Louis, MO 63188 Voice: 314-771-0200 Fax: 314-771-0300 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com To advertise, contact: advertising@slfp.com |