In a Changing Industry, Owners Want More of the Same from Builders

This article describes the new challenges facing airport owners, which on the one hand are seeing an upswing in business, but are also dealing with changes affecting terminals and airfields. New in-line baggage systems account for some $5 billion in unmet needs at U.S. airports. Puffers, which can detect explosives on people and carry-on bags, cost about $150,000 each and will require space adjustments at airports. Technology requires new space designs while new jumbo jets and other changing jet configurations will necessitate infrastructure changes at airports. The article describes a number of projects at different U.S. airports, and includes a list of the top 25 airport construction programs.