A musical performer, cake and ribbon-cutting welcomed in a new era at Concord Regional Airport Thursday. However, the terminal is being lauded not for its “bells and whistles,” but its functionality in thrusting the airport into the future.
The new $6.5 million terminal replaces an old hangar that has served in that role. Ninety percent of the funding came from federal money. The city and the North Carolina Department of Transportation picked up the rest of the bill.
The terminal has two gates, 700 parking spots close by and sports a much shorter walk from front door to the gate than Charlotte Douglas.
That helps keep costs low. A key feature of the airport as it expands flights with low cost airlines like Allegiant. It also hopes to win on the convenience factor.
"It's a very nice building, but it’s functional, we didn't put a lot of bells and whistles in it," said Richard Cloutier, Concord Regional Airport Director.
"We understand that traveling causes anxiety, and trying to minimize anxiety will just increase the passenger experience," Cloutier said.
The first flights will depart from the new terminal Wednesday.