News from the MAC Chair - September 2024

Terminal 2 expansion: building for the future

Last month, the MAC began construction on a 168,000-square-foot expansion of Terminal 2 at MSP Airport. This is one of several current or future projects that will help MSP meet the growing needs of airlines and passengers in this busy 14-gate facility.Terminal 2 expansion: building for the futureLast month, the MAC began construction on a 168,000-square-foot expansion of Terminal 2 at MSP Airport. This is one of several current or future projects that will help MSP meet the growing needs of airlines and passengers in this busy 14-gate facility.

The $263 million expansion will add two additional gates and enhance the passenger experience with more spacious seating areas, new restrooms, concession spaces, and expanded operational support areas for airlines and tenants. In a separate project, another two gates will open on the south end of the terminal later this fall as the MAC works to support growing operations by Sun Country Airlines and other domestic and international carriers operating out of Terminal 2.The $263 million expansion will add two additional gates and enhance the passenger experience with more spacious seating areas, new restrooms, concession spaces, and expanded operational support areas for airlines and tenants. In a separate project, another two gates will open on the south end of the terminal later this fall as the MAC works to support growing operations by Sun Country Airlines and other domestic and international carriers operating out of Terminal 2.

Enhancing Traveler Convenience

As passenger demand continues to rise, so does the MSP focus on convenience and speed. In keeping with this, I had the opportunity in August to participate in the official launch of Amazon’s innovative “Just Walk Out” technology at the Estes On The Fly retail kiosk in Terminal 2. This technology lets travelers quickly grab what they need without waiting in line — it’s a simple process of scan, shop and go.As passenger demand continues to rise, so does the MSP focus on convenience and speed. In keeping with this, I had the opportunity in August to participate in the official launch of Amazon’s innovative “Just Walk Out” technology at the Estes On The Fly retail kiosk in Terminal 2. This technology lets travelers quickly grab what they need without waiting in line — it’s a simple process of scan, shop and go.

New opportunities at Terminal 2

And there are more opportunities ahead to enhance the brands, concepts and technology to support concession offerings at Terminal 2. The MAC is seeking proposals for eight new concession venues — replacing six current locations with soon-to-expire leases, and two new spaces in the Terminal 2 expansion.  The MAC aims to bring new, diverse and local flavors to the airport by early 2027. The MAC recently hosted an event for businesses in the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program to encourage participation. The MAC’s 30% ACDBE participation goal represents the highest target set since the program’s inception.And there are more opportunities ahead to enhance the brands, concepts and technology to support concession offerings at Terminal 2. The MAC is seeking proposals for eight new concession venues — replacing six current locations with soon-to-expire leases, and two new spaces in the Terminal 2 expansion.  The MAC aims to bring new, diverse and local flavors to the airport by early 2027. The MAC recently hosted an event for businesses in the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program to encourage participation. The MAC’s 30% ACDBE participation goal represents the highest target set since the program’s inception.

Sustainability achievements: leading the waySustainability achievements: leading the way

The MAC is making significant strides in sustainability as it pursues its 2030 goals. Some recent highlights include:On Sept. 9, MSP achieved Level 3 certification through the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, an internationally recognized standard for carbon management.The MAC is making significant strides in sustainability as it pursues its 2030 goals. Some recent highlights include:On Sept. 9, MSP achieved Level 3 certification through the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, an internationally recognized standard for carbon management.

This month, we’re celebrating the first anniversary of our Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub, a pioneering effort with Greater MSP, Delta Air Lines and other anchor partners to scale the use of SAF in Minnesota. The coalition marked the occasion with a special event in Terminal 1 on Sept. 10, highlighted by a list of guests that included Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.The MAC is also pursuing LEED certification for the Terminal 2 expansion and the Public Safety and Operations Center as part of our commitment to sustainable development.This month, we’re celebrating the first anniversary of our Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub, a pioneering effort with Greater MSP, Delta Air Lines and other anchor partners to scale the use of SAF in Minnesota. The coalition marked the occasion with a special event in Terminal 1 on Sept. 10, highlighted by a list of guests that included Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.The MAC is also pursuing LEED certification for the Terminal 2 expansion and the Public Safety and Operations Center as part of our commitment to sustainable development.