WICHITA, Kansas -- Wichita City Council members hearing Thursday that the new terminal at Mid-Continent Airport is on time and on budget.
Airport authority officials and construction workers guided the group as they received a first-hand look at the project.
"The atmosphere, the look, the feel, the way the building is going to be is just tremendously different than it is now, and it's really going to put Wichita on the map," said Victor White, Wichita Director of Airports.
The multi-million dollar facility will replace the current terminal built back in 1954.
"It's going to be a well laid out terminal from ticket booth to boarding, the distance is about 55 percent shorter than the old terminal, so it's going to be very passenger friendly, it's going to be much more accommodating for visitors to come," said Jeff Longwell, council member.
That should be helpful to the new growth at the airport.
New service from United to LA begins in May and Southwest will be taking off from Wichita in June.
"One of the small factors in winning Southwest airlines was them coming to town and taking advantage of a brand new terminal so these are the kinds of opportunities that we're going to enjoy," added Longwell.
The highlights include a covered parking structure, loading bridges and jetways at each gate.
Those will help keep passengers out of the elements.
City leaders hope that will be a hit with flyers.
"We know who we are, but when people come here, they want to know who we are, this is going to be their first impression," said Jame Clendenin, Wichita City Council member. "This is going to show people who we are, and it's going to be magnificent."
The interior design of the airport will feature the city's rich aviation history.
The terminal is set to open in March 2015.
