American Airlines has just taken possession at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport of a a new terminal for its regional routes, including 14 boarding gates. The new 22,500 m² facility can handle several thousand passengers a day.
Designed in cooperation with the airport authorities, the terminal offers a capacity of 850 seats. Between now and 2022, a number of shops, restaurants and a new Admirals Club lounge. The airport is planning to open 1,400 m² of retail space.
The main innovation, however, is the end of passenger transfers by bus. All aircraft now have direct access to the terminal via a footbridge.
American Airlines offers up to 85 daily regional flights to Washington National. This summer, the company plans to a total of 180 flights per day. According to American Airlines President Robert Isom, the company intends to introduce larger regional aircraft as soon as demand warrants.
The new infrastructure is part of a billion investment plan for the airport. This modernisation plan was necessary because the airport handled 23 million passengers before Covid. Against a theoretical capacity of 15 million!
By the end of the year, two security checkpoints will be open to the public. They will then allow passengers to travel in the restricted zone without additional checks.
