News from the MAC Chair - December 2024
News from the MAC Chair - December 2024
December 20, 2024
Finishing strong in 2024
Greetings:
As we approach the end of a year of continued growth and excellence across the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), I’m pleased to share some updates on the fall season and exciting news for the upcoming year.
Fall has been a busy season for travel, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has seen a significant uptick in passengers. During the 12 days around Thanksgiving, MSP welcomed 6.5% more travelers than in 2023. We expect strong demand to continue through the holiday season. Travelers can book parking in advance and take advantage of the MSP RESERVE program to reserve a spot in the security line.
An award-winning year
This year, the MAC earned global recognition for customer experience and operations excellence. Earlier this fall, MSP Airport was ranked No. 1 among mega airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. In addition, MSP earned the highest customer satisfaction rankings for each of the seven award categories, including airport amenities, ease of traveling to and from the airport, and more.
MSP also was awarded the 2023 Cirium On-Time Performance Award for global and large airports, making it the first U.S. airport to win this international award since 2011. In addition, MSP was named top U.S. airport by Travel + Leisure and the Best Airport in North America in 2023 for the third straight year by Airports Council International.
Sustainable aviation
One key factor behind our success at the MAC is an emphasis on building strong partnerships, as shown by our work in sustainability. The MAC is a supporting member of the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub, a public-private partnership led by GREATER MSP. The partnership aims to bring low-carbon aviation fuel to MSP.
The MAC hosted multiple SAF-related events at MSP in 2024, including the awarding of a federal grant for a new SAF blending facility and the first-ever flight fueled in part by SAF from MSP Airport.
The new blending facility, located at Flint Hills Resources’ Pine Bend refinery, will blend SAF locally by late 2025. These milestones are significant steps toward reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable aviation practices.
We are continually working to improve our terminals at MSP. Our $242 million Airport Modernization Program, a collaborative effort with Delta Air Lines, is scheduled to be completed in 2025 and includes the Concourse C renovation now in progress.
Additionally, we started our $263 million Terminal 2 North Expansion project, which includes adding two additional airline gates, new restrooms, new concessions, and increased spacing and passenger seating. This work is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
We’ve introduced a free and easy new option for pick-up and drop-off at Terminal 2. The Terminal 2 Express Lane is located on the second level of the Purple Ramp and has already significantly streamlined the pick-up and drop-off process for our passengersWe’ve introduced a free and easy new option for pick-up and drop-off at Terminal 2. The Terminal 2 Express Lane is located on the second level of the Purple Ramp and has already significantly streamlined the pick-up and drop-off process for our passengers
We strive to create a more accessible and inclusive airport experience for all our passengers, and we recently announced a partnership with Minnesota-based nonprofit Fraser to design MSP’s first-ever sensory rooms that reduce stress and sensory overload while traveling. We strive to create a more accessible and inclusive airport experience for all our passengers, and we recently announced a partnership with Minnesota-based nonprofit Fraser to design MSP’s first-ever sensory rooms that reduce stress and sensory overload while traveling.
These unique spaces will be important new amenities at MSP. The first sensory room will be included in the Terminal 2 North Expansion Project in 2027, while the other will be completed in Terminal 1 in 2028.These unique spaces will be important new amenities at MSP. The first sensory room will be included in the Terminal 2 North Expansion Project in 2027, while the other will be completed in Terminal 1 in 2028.
Happy holidays and Happy New Year!
As we move into 2025, we remain committed to our purpose of providing exceptional airport experiences so Minnesota thrives. From added passenger amenities to major upcoming construction, next year will reflect our focus on growth, innovation and community engagement across the MAC’s airport system. We can’t wait to share these developments with you.
On behalf of everyone at the MAC, have a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Rick King
Chair
Metropolitan Airports Commission