19 in ’19

No doubt, 2018 was a great year for Pittsburgh International Airport: new routes, increased passengers, updated concessions. But wait ‘til you see 2019! Here are 19 things coming in the New Year:

1. Terminal Modernization Program. The TMP, as it is affectionately called here at PIT, is our plan for a new “landside” terminal scheduled to be completed in 2023. Watch for news and announcements throughout the year and a groundbreaking expected by year’s end.
2. Innovation Campus. The Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus broke ground just a few weeks ago, but will begin to take shape as construction moves forward throughout 2019. The Innovation Campus is intended to create a global urban village at the main entrance to the airport, connecting directly to the airport terminal.
3. Do You Want Fries in That? Indeed, 2019 will mark the event some of us have been waiting for since the terminal opened in 1992: Primanti’s is coming to PIT! The restaurant that brings us the iconic sammich with fries, slaw n’at will open this spring/summer in the Airside Core. And they won’t be alone: Wigle Whiskey also will open in the new year, and we’ll be announcing new venues throughout the year.
4. PCMA. The airport will kick off the new year by welcoming “PCMA: Convening Leaders, 2019” Jan. 5-9. The Professional Conference Managers Association’s annual gathering will bring 4,500 convention, conference and meeting planners to Pittsburgh, allowing the city to showcase itself to an economically important audience. The conference is so big that its registration area will be at the airport itself.
5. State of the Airport. Each year, PIT CEO Christina Cassotis addresses an audience of local business leaders, politicians and influencers throughout the region. Attendance is by invitation only, but the Feb. 20 speech will be broadcast on Facebook Live and could feature TMP updates.
6. British Airways nonstop to London. Tuesday, April 2, marks the return of British Airways’ nonstop service from PIT to London Heathrow. Big Ben (U.K. version), Westminster Abbey and the London Bridge are all just a flight away on the airline’s new Dreamliner aircraft. Make sure to wave to the Queen as you fly over!
7. Condor Returns. Hallo! London’s not our only non-stop European destination in ’19. Condor Airlines returns in May with its seasonal flight to Frankfurt. There may be no better way to explore Germany and all it has to offer.
8. Sensory Room. We are very excited about our new Sensory Room, which supports passengers who are in need of calming or de-stressing during their travel experience. Our quiet sensory-friendly space will provide an environment to help “re-group” and transition peacefully to the next stage of the journey. Construction will begin in January.
9. Art in the Airport. Passenger traffic isn’t the only thing growing at the airport. Our Art in the Airport program is huge — and includes much more than the world-renowned Alexander Calder mobile, Pittsburgh. We have too many permanent and temporary art displays to list here — that’s why you can find them here. More to come in 2019, including more live local music!
10. 2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. OK, the wrestling championships aren’t at the airport — but it would be cool if they were! The NCAA Division I wrestling championships will be held at PPG Paints Arena March 21-23 — only one of 22 NCAA title events the area will be hosting through 2022. We’ll be ready — maybe some employees decked out in singlets — to welcome the nation’s finest collegiate grapplers and their fans.
11. First Time Flyers Program. Never flown before? Or has it been a long time since you’ve flown? You may be anxious, but, you know, London’s calling. So is Frankfurt and the rest of the world. So the airport will host two First Time Flyers classes, on March 23 and Sept. 14, that will let you know everything you need before you takeoff. Look for registration details soon.
12. Airport Auction. Hoodies, cars, jewelry and belts — lots and lots of belts — are just some of the items available at the airport’s annual action. Most items come from the lost and found; cars and vehicles are those being pulled out of service by the airport authority or left abandoned in PIT’s parking lots. Look for the announcement during the dog days of summer. And speaking of dogs …
13. Therapy Dogs. Our PIT PAWS (Pups Alleviating Worry and Stress) Dog Therapy program has made the airport a warmer and friendlier place for about two years. These caring canines are panting to be pet. You’ll recognize our pups by their yellow bandanas that match their handlers’ shirts.
14. MyPITPass. In 2018, more than 22,000 people took advantage of MyPITPass, which allows non-ticketed individuals access to the Airside Terminal through the TSA security checkpoint after obtaining a pass on the ticketing level. The program, the first of its kind in the country, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
15. Expanded Lounge. The Club at Pittsburgh International Airport, which opened in 2017, has been so busy and popular that it’s expanding. That’s great news for travelers willing to pay a fee to enjoy The Club’s private setting, great food, drinks and service.
16. New Kidsport! With the expansion of The Club, Kidsport will need to be relocated. A temporary Kidsport will be built at the end of the C Concourse while a new-and-improved permanent one is under construction.
17. Thanksgiving Weekend. For us, the busiest days of the year come the weekend after we give thanks, because grandmother’s house isn’t over the river and through the woods — it’s just a short flight to Pittsburgh! So after you have a Thanksgiving dinner that can’t be beat, remember to tell your guests to make it to the airport at least two hours prior to boarding time.
18. Holiday Open House. One of our favorite events of the year returns on Dec. 7. PIT was the first airport to hold a holiday open house, and it gets stronger every year — with more than 1,000 people attending last month. Music, balloon artists, magicians and great deals at the airport are just part of the day, now in its sixth year. Look for the registration announcement in the fall.
19. Choral Concert Programs. The holidays are among the anticipated time of the year and it’s no different here at the airport. The sounds of the season are always ushered in at Pittsburgh International by the choirs and bands from area schools. It’s a decades-old tradition that never gets old!