Presque Isle International Airport plans to break ground on its new passenger terminal in the spring of 2025. The initial need for the project was identified as part of the airport’s master plan update process that followed very specific Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and included airport and public stakeholder input.
The master plan update was welcomed by both Maine Department of Transportation and the FAA, as the plan had not been updated in several years and PQI recently welcomed its first jet service since 1978.
An in-depth analysis involving the Airport Advisory Committee, United Ground Express, Presque Isle Industrial Council, the city manager, Department of Transportation, FAA, Northern Maine Development Commission and other stakeholders determined the existing passenger terminal no longer met current day demands. This initiative was supported by City Council as well.
First, airport security post-9/11 has significantly increased the footprint required. In fact, the Transportation Safety Administration has not deployed all of the equipment PQI is eligible for simply because of insufficient room in the existing terminal.
Secondly, the existing terminal was constructed in 1952 as the fire rescue building for what was then the Presque Isle Air Force Base. As a result of its age, many of its building and safety systems are in need of replacement, such as the roof, wiring, air conditioning and fire alarm, to name a few.
The most critical consideration was the FAA’s requirements and guidelines on the number of square feet for a passenger terminal based on peak-hour passengers. PQI currently has only one departure at a time and, therefore, peak-hour passengers translates to the number of seats on the aircraft. With JetBlue, the current aircraft seats 100 passengers, requiring a terminal to be 30,000 to 35,000 square feet. The current terminal is approximately 10,000 square feet. Next year, JetBlue will go to a 140-seat aircraft. The airport’s master plan was based on a 150 seat aircraft, thus requiring a terminal 35,000 to 40,000 square feet in size.
The new terminal, with its increased size, will also make travel much more comfortable for PQI passengers. The current area for passengers, once they have cleared the Transportation Security Administration screening, does not provide restrooms, food or beverages. The new terminal will also provide a larger, upgraded parking system with more payment options.
With an increase of seats available on JetBlue aircraft, the security area in the existing terminal was temporarily increased to handle 80 percent of aircraft seating capacity.
Presque Isle is a community with a high number of people receiving social services. The new terminal improves access for this population. Unlike the existing terminal, the new terminal with be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will expand accessibility for people with disabilities.
Additional information will be released to the public in future articles providing statistics and research on how the new airport terminal can significantly drive economic growth.
Kimberly R. Smith is the resource development and public information officer for the city of Presque Isle. She can be reached at 760-2722 or via email at ksmith@presqueisleme.us.
