Today the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) breaks ground on a $34 million gate modernization project, the final element of its 10-year, $110 million capital improvement campaign, termed CAK 2018.
“Projects of this scale take a long time to get off the ground, so despite some air service challenges, this is the right time to move forward with construction,” said Rick McQueen, President and CEO of Akron-Canton Airport.
The current gates for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines originally opened in 1962 and were not designed for today’s modern aircraft.
“While we have done a nice job maintaining these older gates, we realize they are too congested and lack amenities our customers prefer,” said McQueen.
The $34 million gate modification project consists of three main phases: phase one involves utility and drainage work, along with installing a parking apron; next, new gates will be constructed; finally, the old gates will be torn down to provide more aircraft parking.
Open spaces with ample seating and power outlets will be the first modifications customers can expect. New food and beverage options will include a sit-down restaurant and large bar, in addition to grab-and-go choices.
The much-anticipated terminal makeover also includes jet bridges on every gate, so no passenger will have to make the quick dash from tarmac to aircraft in the event of inclement weather.
The new gates are projected to open for customer enjoyment by late fall of 2019 or spring of 2020, contingent upon weather.
