By John Dobberstein, Editor
With nearly a dozen major projects underway, the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust unveiled a new mission statement Thursday as it works to position the airport for growth and improve customers’ journeys.
In an effort to keep travelers and the community informed on the details and progress of the projects, TAIT launched “Propel TUL” to reflect the airport’s commitment to shaping the future of travel in Tulsa.
Throughout the next 3 years, TAIT says, the projects will introduce new facilities, services, and “innovative experiences that will make every visit unforgettable.”
Here is a list of TUL projects with expected completion dates:
1. Home2Suites by Hilton Hotel – Completed and Now Open. In December 2023, Promise Hotels opened their newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton on airport property, conveniently located just steps in front of the airport terminal building.
2. International customs Facility – Late 2025. The new 45,000-square-foot addition to the existing terminal, which will allowcommercial air carriers to offer scheduled nonstop international flights to TUL for the first time.
3. Discovery lab play area – spring 2024. The airport has partnered with Discovery Lab to construct a play area for kids toenjoy post-security while waiting for their flight.
4. Wayfinding directional signage – late 2025. All-new directional signage will be installed throughout the terminal, and also on airport roadways and parking facilities.
5. Sunrising art installation – summer 2024. Tulsa resident artist, Shane Darwent, will create a one-of-a-kind suspended art installation for the terminal, which is expected to be complete by summer 2024.
This public art project will be the largest investment the airport has funded for its collection. The new piece titled “Sunrising”, will hang over the entrance to the checkpoint and will feature a series of 35 colored-resin panels which shift through the color gradation of a sky from sunrise to sunset.
6. Air traffic control tower complex – Late 2026. A new air traffic control tower complex will be built to replace the existing structure, which is one of the oldest towers within the FAA’s system and does not meet present l-day building codes. The new facility will provide reliable infrastructure needed for the safe operation of air traffic within TUL’s approach and local control areas and will allow the facility to expand their services beyond their existing capabilities.
7. Plane-spotting observation area – August 2024. New amenities will be added to the current planespotting areas at TUL, which will foster enthusiasm for aviation activity, TAIT says.
8. Entryway monument – September 2024. Tulsa International Airport will soon have a modern, more welcoming monument at the entrance of airport property.
9. Escape lounge – Fall 2024. Passengers flying out of Tulsa International Airport will soon have access to a relaxing lounge that has locally sourced food and beverages, in-house chefs and high-speed Wi-Fi.
10. Vestibule upgrades – November 2024. New vestibules will replace slow, antiquated revolving doors at all terminal entry points. The new vestibules will be more energy efficient and have a more user-friendly design.
11. Onsite convenience store – June 2025. The new store onsite will serve passengers who need to fill fuel tanks by before returning their rental cars, and will also be a handy option for the thousands of people who work or live around the airport.
“Our commitment to this community is to foster an airport experience that goes beyond expectations”, said Alexis Higgins, Tulsa International Airport Chief Executive Officer. “We know many of our passengers and partners are excited about these improvements, and through the PropelTUL website, everyone will have access to the latest information to stay up-to-date on these projects.”
Visit Tulsa International Airport’s new Propel TUL website to learn more about the 11exciting projects that fall under this campaign at www.propeltul.com.
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