Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport terminal opening

PULLMAN - The new 50,000 square-foot Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport terminal will be open for business on Wednesday, May 22.

The terminal project cost approximately $90 million, with $75 million from the federal government, including coronavirus relief funds.

Pullman Mayor and Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport Board Chair Francis A. Benjamin said that the project as a whole was approximately $250 million.

The $92 million terminal took two years to construct, featuring three gates in all. Originally at 8,300 square feet, the space was upgraded to 47,000 square feet, with 5,000 square feet still under construction,

A west expansion is under construction, with plans to be completed in July or August. The western expansion has Gate 1, charter screening, a conference room and administration.

The private charter security screening and private gate capability will be available when the west expansion is finished in approximately August.

Once the board room is made available during August, it will be rentable to the public. It has the ability to seat approximately 30, and has a kitchen.

Moscow Mayor and Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport Board Vice-Chair Art Bettge pointed out that the terminal had spaces for baggage kiosks to be put in, "It is completely digitized," Bettge said.

With all new amenities including future concessions, a bar area in the air-side of the terminal, and an elevator for oversized baggage the new terminal will bring in more job opportunities.

Benjamin said that there are about 70 people working now, but the new terminal will increase with custodial, and other jobs that will be available to keep it running.

Renovations led for more parking at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport with an upgrade from only 320 spaces for parking, to now having 426 spaces and 90 rental car spaces.

Bettge said that the parking is free for the first two hours before a charge of $10 a day.

The runway completed in 2022, after seven years of construction, cost $185 million and is 7100 feet by 150 feet with a paved shoulder. The taxiway is 7100 feet by 75 feet. Formerly 6,700 with restrictions, the runway at it's current footage has no restrictions.

The tarmac, Benjamin and Bettge explained, took an immense amount of crushed rock and concrete to construct, and can handle a 747 with restrictions, a Boeing Max, 757, C17 and C5.

"One of these runs at $1 million each," said Benjamin about the pedestrian bridge.

Out of the three gates, two have fully articulate and fixed jet-ways with air conditioning and heat, two with the added capacity to add a jet-way to Gate 3.

The Airport currently brings in Alaskan Air flights, but Benjamin said that they are looking to team up with other airlines and are in the process of conversations on how to get more.

Bettge said that one of the most popular places that people fly out of this area for is Las Vegas, "We are hoping to team up with Allegiant," he said.

For those looking to fly out of Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport there is no absence of seating available with a re-composure bench, 160 chairs, two tables, and several areas to charge any devices.

There is a pet area, or Service Animal Relief Area, with a fire hydrant and a sitting area outside for those who want to step out of the airport on the air-side.

Concessions will be available on both the land-side and air-side with kitchen, storage and office at 1100 square feet.

Transportation Security Administration has a screening lane capacity of two, and there is in-security scanning. In addition, there is a new baggage claim and an elevator for oversized bags.

The terminal project began two years ago and had a special ribbon cutting in December last year.

Benjamin said that they would not have a ribbon cutting for the May 22 first flight, but that they would most likely hold one for when the west expansion is finished and the airport is running at full capacity.