Contact: Mark Pesce, 215-937-6944, mark.pesce@phl.org

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2010 

Terminal E Has a Brand New Look at
Philadelphia International Airport
New gates, concessions, a large seating area
and new artwork greet passengers

PHILADELPHIA - Passengers using Terminal E at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), a busy concourse housing popular low-fare carriers Southwest Airlines and Air Tran Airways, now have access to a newly created expansion at the end of the terminal. The new expansion features seven new aircraft gates, seating for 500 persons, new restrooms, a mini-food court with three new concessions and plenty of natural lighting coming through the atrium style glass enclosure, as well as stunning new artwork. This $45 million terminal expansion opened to the traveling public on Tuesday, February 16th.

"The City is continually working to provide a world-class airport that exceeds the expectations of today's flying public, and this magnificent terminal expansion helps us achieve that goal," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "This addition is the latest in a number of user-friendly facilities that we've recently introduced, including the Terminal D/E Connector that opened late in 2008 and the Cell Phone Waiting Lot that opened this past December."

Rina Cutler, Deputy Mayor, Transportation and Utilities, noted: "We are happy that passengers now using this area of the Airport will have access to brand new gates, plenty of places to sit while they wait to board their flights, new concession choices and an inviting atmosphere."

Southwest Airlines, one of the busiest carriers at Philadelphia International Airport, will occupy the new gates in the Terminal E expansion. By the end of March, Southwest is scheduled to consolidate its operations in Terminal E. The airline currently occupies four gates in Terminal D as well as five additional gates in Terminal E.

"Traffic in this area of the Airport has grown considerably since Southwest (the nation's No. 1 low-fare airline) arrived in 2004. We salute Southwest for its partnership with the Airport that made this expansion a reality," said Mark Gale, Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia International Airport. "We are constantly striving to make Philadelphia International Airport a facility that welcomes travelers and delivers premier amenities and provides a pleasant traveling experience overall. The new look in Terminal E is reflective of that initiative."

In addition to the new gates and the expanded seating area, there is a mini-food court with two new concessions: McDonald's, which also has a location in Terminal A-West, and Airport newcomer Cantina Laredo, a sit-down restaurant featuring authentic Mexican cuisine. McDonald's and Cantina Laredo join existing food and beverage concessions Philadelphia's Famous Chickie's and Pete's, Bassett's Turkey & Salad, Maki of Japan, Cibo Market Express, Guava & Java, and Yummy Pretzels. Joining retailers Pennsylvania Market, Sports Collectibles and CNBC News Philadelphia is Stellar News, which has a location in Terminal D, and is now opening another in Terminal E.

The new expansion is also home to the Airport's newest permanent artwork, Cloudsphere, by Philadelphia artist Mei-ling Hom. An internationally-renowned artist whose work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including exhibits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Hom's stunning creation was selected from a national Call to Artists by the City's Percent for Art program.

The new $45 million Terminal E expansion is another completed phase of the $300 million Terminal D/E Renovation and Expansion project. The first major component, the Terminal D/E Connector, opened in December 2008 featuring a brand new 14-lane security checkpoint equipped with state-of-the-art screening technology and 10 new food, beverage and retail shops. The D and E baggage claim areas have been connected by a new 9,000 square foot baggage claim connector, now forming the D/E baggage claim. This area has 2 new carousels, and new men's, women's and companion care restrooms and will open this week. In addition, all of the ticket counters in the renovated D and E ticketing lobbies will be replaced and will include 23 additional ticket counters, as well as new escalators and stairs. There are 3,500 additional square feet in each ticket lobby. There is also a 50,000 square foot baggage makeup area with 8 inline Explosive Detection System machines located on the ground floor between the two ticket lobbies. Construction on this phase of the project is ongoing and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010. The Terminal D/E Renovation and Expansion project is funded entirely with airport revenue bonds, federal grants, and passenger facility charges.

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