Gala Latest in Landmark Events Leading to Opening Day
Thousands expected to attend Community Open House, second Public Trial; more Gala speakers announced
By Amie Downs
Published September 29, 2025
Read Time: 2 mins
This week’s PIT Transformed Gala is the latest in a series of events leading up to the new terminal opening this fall and features key industry and local leaders celebrating the monumental project and the people who made it possible.
The new terminal has been created by the people in this community with the support of partners in the aviation industry. This once-in-a-generation achievement is a testament to the vision and spirit of our entire region.
“Our team — including our design, construction and union partners — has renewed Pittsburgh’s legacy of aviation leadership, while transforming the airport to meet the needs of our region,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA). “What began as a strategy to change a business model quickly became an opportunity to engage the know-how, creativity and civic pride of people throughout the region.”
Following a successful airport Friends and Family Day and the first Public Trial in September, the gala is the next step, to be followed by a Community Open House on Oct. 11 and second Public Trial, date to be announced.
Gala speakers include Joe Manganiello, Cameron Heyward and Charlie Batch, who were announced last week, as well as British Airways CEO Sean Doyle, Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, former County Executive and current Executive Director of the Southwestern PA Commission Rich Fitzgerald, ACAA Board Chair David Minnotte and Cassotis.
The PIT Transformed Gala is being planned and produced by Pittsburgh-based Flyspace Productions. The event will include performances by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, DJ Bonics and Cello Fury.
The uniquely Pittsburgh gala, presented by Rycon Construction, is for partners and organizations involved in building the project to celebrate the completion of the new terminal.
With Friday’s gala, only a few events remain before opening day. The 10,500 slots available to the public for the Transformed PIT Community Open House on Oct. 11 filled up at the end of last week.
The date for the second Public Trial is expected to be announced shortly, and the opening day announcement will follow after the completion of the trial.
