Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
314-426-8000 or Hotline: 314-426-8111
10701 Lambert International Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63145

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Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge unveiled highlights of the $50 million renovation to enhance the passenger experience and the airport's competitive position.

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport will begin the largest interior renovation in its history in fall of 2010 with new lighting, tile flooring and signage, as seen above in the prototype built at Gate A8.

Lambert Begins Major Renovation to Improve Passenger Services and Airport Operations
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:

New ticket counters and Terrazzo flooring on upper level. Open public views to outside.
New baggage claim restrooms; renovation of existing restrooms.
Upgraded C Concourse checkpoint to accommodate latest passenger screening equipment.
Introducing brighter ceiling treatments in lower level that includes programmable LED lighted caps on structural columns. Ceilings will be raised to maximize overhead space.
Add atrium to connect ticketing and lower levels.
New signage and directories.
Introduce "St. Louis Stage," a dedicated performance area in lower level.
Incorporate new interactive and static art displays in renovated areas

The director expressed hope that the airport would one day be able to grow its international services. She stated they are currently exploring bringing an international cargo operation into Lambert and laying the groundwork to bring in more passenger traffic.

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

Passengers check through security at C Concourse, beneath a 1934 Monocoupr D-145, owned by Charles Lindbergh. The plane was manufactured by Lambert Aircraft Corporation.

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
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.

Lambert kicked off 2010 with a campaign to overhaul its main roadway with all new signs and other infrastructure enhancements. The $1.2 million Wayfinding Signage Project will greatly improve visitor experiences by simplifying and improving airport messaging which will include renaming Lambert's terminals.

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

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