The $2.6bn expansion and renovation of terminal three at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has got under way. The project will add 18,600 sq m to the building, which will be used for security and retail outlets.
It will also take place on the existing 60,000 sq m western half of the terminal and a façade will be added, allowing extra space for check-ins and bag drop-offs. A six-storey building containing airline lounges and operational office space will also be built.
The project is being built by Turner Construction to a design by two local consultants: Gensler and TEF Design Renovation.
It is aiming to obtain LEED Platinum status on the strength of green features such as solar panels, low-carbon steel and concrete, water recycling and dynamic glazing.
Some 600 employees will work on site at the peak of construction, and $173m is expected to be spent on contracts for local businesses.
London Breed, San Francisco’s mayor, said: “For millions of people around the world, SFO creates their very first impression of the San Francisco Bay Area.
“We want our residents to be proud of their hometown airport and for visitors to experience what makes our region great the moment they step off an airplane.”
Lori Augustine, vice president of airport operations for United Airline’s SFO hub, said: “We are always looking for ways to continue growing our operation in the San Francisco Bay Area, so we are thrilled that these state-of-the-art improvements to airport facilities will entice even more people to visit us here.”
The project is due to open to the public in stages, beginning in the autumn of 2027 and ending in 2029.
In 2021, Skanska built a $172m extension to the “AirTrain” automated people mover at SFO.
