Airport consultants focused on two possible layouts for a new terminal Tuesday as they explained to the Kansas City Council Airport Committee why those designs would meet airline needs.
One was configured in an “H” shape, while the other could be described as shaped like a shallow letter “V.”
Neither represented a formal final design, but Ken Brown of the terminal design firm PGAL used them to explain how their footprints would be compatible with airplane traffic and security and baggage systems.
When asked why the airlines are urging the city to act now, consultant Lou Salomon responded, “They have hold rooms that are inadequate. They have a bag system that's inadequate. So they'll address their needs and address the customer here. You have infrastructure that's outdated. You've maxed out here.”
Salomon also emphasized that designing and building a terminal is at least a four or five year process.
He also added that in committing to a new terminal the airlines would be making a major investment in Kansas City and expect to be involved throughout the process to make sure the design fits their needs.
Though committee members continued to ask tough questions, they seemed more comfortable with the idea of building a new terminal than in previous meetings.
The committee does not meet again until April 12.
Steve Bell is afternoon news anchor and business news reporter for KCUR. He may be reached at 816-235-5173 or by e-mail as steveb@kcur.org
