Hollywood Burbank Airport Plans Its Opening in October

‍BURBANK — On October 13, the new Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is set to open its doors. The new terminal is inspired by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the film industry’s roots. 

The project, valued at US$1.2 billion, will feature 14 gates, a new parking garage, and connectivity improvements. Ahead of the opening, we sat down with John Hatanka, Executive Director at Hollywood Burbank Airport, to learn more about BUR’s developments. 

  What was the biggest reason for building a completely new terminal?

 The Replacement Passenger Terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport is a safety project that the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority has pursued for decades. The existing terminal does not meet current Federal Aviation Administration design standards or current California seismic standards.

The Replacement Passenger Terminal will more than satisfy these standards.  In addition to continuing the Airport’s reputation for convenience, the new facility will have modern amenities that elevate the passenger experience.  This project is funded by airport users and airline fees, at no cost to local taxpayers.

 What are the most important numbers that the new terminal will boast?

 The Replacement Passenger Terminal has 355,000 square feet, compared to the current 232,000-square-foot terminal. While the new facility will still have 14 gates, they will be uniform in size to accommodate aircraft as wide as a B737-10 and as long as an Airbus A321. 

The existing terminal lacks this flexibility, and certain aircraft are limited to specific gates due to their size. The Replacement Passenger Terminal will also have a close-in terminal parking garage with more than 2,000 spaces, compared to the current short-term garage that has a capacity of 432 spaces.  

 How will the new terminal improve passenger experience compared to the current facilities?

 The current terminal has separate checkpoints for its two concourses, and each concourse has an inadequately sized baggage claim area, one of which is partially outside.

The Replacement Passenger Terminal will consolidate security screening into one 8-lane central checkpoint.  The new facility will also have three large indoor baggage-claim carousels, 43 common-use ticket counters, two large baggage-make-up carousels, and six curbside counters.

Additionally, the Replacement Passenger Terminal will feature entirely new offerings in the retail and food service concession programs, many of which represent local area businesses.  These changes, along with upgrades to support facilities used by airlines, will elevate the passenger experience at Hollywood Burbank Airport.

Another passenger experience improvement involves the terminal roadway.  The current terminal roadway is constrained, with arrival and departure traffic commingled, including commercial, shared-ride, and taxi services.  The new terminal roadway is designed to separate traffic types and to separate departure and arrival private cars at the terminal curb.

What sustainability or environmental features are being included in the new terminal?

The Replacement Passenger Terminal has been designed and is being built in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner. The project is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Features of note are:

• An all-electric terminal
• Reclaimed water for irrigation and incorporating native/adaptive plants
• Electric ground service equipment
• A 750kw rooftop solar panel system will offset terminal electricity needs
• Over 300 electric vehicle charging stations are within the parking garage
• Installation of terminal daylighting controls and cool terminal roof structure

How is the new terminal being designed to handle future growth in passenger numbers and airline operations?

The Replacement Passenger Terminal will have 14 equally sized common-use gates that provide airlines with aircraft-scheduling and route-development flexibility unavailable at the existing facility.  Airlines will be able to serve more passengers without increasing aircraft operations.

How will the terminal layout improve aircraft turnaround times and gate efficiency?

 Feedback from multiple public design charrette meetings greatly influenced the design of the Replacement Passenger Terminal.  A key item in that feedback was the desire to maintain the ramp boarding at the front and back of the aircraft, a favorite convenience at Hollywood Burbank Airport.  This feature will continue at the Replacement Passenger Terminal.  

Additionally, the new terminal ramp will have an aircraft pushback area and a taxi lane that provide greater flexibility for aircraft movement. Other significant changes are the linear design of the 14 common-use gates, larger hold rooms, 43 common-use counters, and a much larger baggage make-up area.  Combined, these features enable airlines to improve their operations and enhance the customer experience at Hollywood Burbank Airport.