The public was invited to attend an open forum on the Tampa International Airport Master Plan in October 2012. Consultant HNTB shared the latest details on the proposed Master Plan, including suggested changes to the existing facilities and land usage. The centerpiece of the plan so far: A consolidated rental car center near the entrance to the airport campus connected to the terminal by an automated people mover. Also, the consultant has proposed moving employee and tenant parking to that area, south of the main terminal, along with commercial development.
The proposal was developed after analyzing new passenger growth projections for the next 20 years. HNTB also suggested developing land east of the terminal with expanded cargo operations, aircraft repair and maintenance operations, and businesses such as manufacturing facilities that need easy access to an airfield. “Community engagement is critical to this process,” said Al Illustrato, the airport’s Vice President of Facilities who is working with the consultants on the plan. “We want anyone who uses or cares about the airport to tell us what they think of these concepts and help us focus the vision for the airport’s future.”
Tampa International Airport’s last master plan, completed in 2005, called for building a new, $1 billion terminal north of the existing one. But the economic downturn and changes in the airline industry in recent years slowed passenger growth, delaying the need for that expansion. Redeveloping the south property and reconfiguring the existing terminal is intended accommodate growth for the next 20 years while preserving land on the north side of the campus for future expansion.
“With only 3,300 acres, we have to be very thoughtful about how land is used,” said airport CEO Joe Lopano. “This plan allows us to take a measured approach for growing the airport’s core business – moving passengers. It also lays the groundwork for new revenue and job-creation opportunities through aviation-related and passenger-support businesses.”
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