Sunday Terminal C gave way to the state-of-the art Terminal 2.
Major construction on the new /*terminal*/ was completed in late August.
Terminal 2 is impressive not only in size but also in design. Ticketing agents will be inside islands that can be accessed from all four sides.
Numerous kiosks will enable passengers with electronic tickets to bypass ticket agents. There will be seven security checkpoints which could speed up that process.
"This will give the /*Transportation Security Administration*/ more space to work with, more lanes to staff," Mindy Hamlin, /*RDU Airport*/ Authority, explained.
Airport visitors will see aviation themes throughout the new terminal -- from the atrium windows which are wing shaped, to the exposed turnbuckles. Even the signposts have what appear to be stainless steel wings. And the air conditioning ports look like jet engines.
The terminal will feature several retail shops and restaurants, including both local and national chains.
RDU says 20 percent of the seats in the waiting areas of the new terminal will be equipped with power outlets and USB computer ports.
The new terminal will open with 19 gates, but will eventually operate 32 gates. Airport officials say that they can always consolidate.
"We can move as many airlines as possible from Terminal A to Terminal 2," Hamlin said. "Our goal all along is that this terminal will be our primary terminal and will meet the needs of the region today and in the future."
The price tag for the new Terminal 2 is $570 million, but the bill will be paid for by travelers, not state and local taxpayers.
- Terminal 2
The following airlines will operate from Terminal 2: Air Canada, American, American Eagle, United, United Express and Charter Express.
Delta Airlines will begin operating from Terminal 2 on November 9. Until its move, the airline will continue to operate from Terminal 1.
Terminal 1The following airlines will operate from Terminal 1: Continental, JetBlue, Northwest, Southwest and US Airways.
The last flight will departe from Terminal C at approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday night. The terminal will then close. Construction crews will begin demolition of the facility later this year.
The second phase of Terminal 2 will open in 2011.
