Asheville Regional Airport Terminal Modernization and Expansion – Asheville, NC
Client
- Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority
Project Value 
$400M
Market
Transportation
Services
Program/Construction Management (PM/CM)
Originally built in the late 1950s, the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has undergone multiple additions to keep up with its rapid growth. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, the airport experienced a 29% increase in passengers and continues to see record-breaking growth.
AVL Forward: Expanding and Modernizing Asheville Regional Airport
To accommodate this continuous rise of travelers, the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) launched the AVL Forward project, an effort that will expand and modernize the existing 115,000-square-foot, seven-gate building into a 275,000-square-foot, 12-gate terminal. The new and spacious design will feature a bright, open lobby, state-of-the-art ticketing and baggage claim areas, an inviting concessions plaza, designed gate areas to enhance passenger comfort and experience, additional aircraft parking, a centralized power plant, and hold room facilities.
Asheville Regional Airport Terminal Project Scope And Our Role
During this five-year contract, the replacement of the current terminal will require extensive phasing and stakeholder coordination to maintain airport operations. Our program management services include the evaluation, development, and management of the program and ensure the project meets construction budget requirements. Parsons X, our digital transformation group, is providing services for the selection, design, implementation, and training of a program management information system (PMIS) that will synchronize the people, financials, and processes needed to optimize delivery.
By replacing the nearly 60-year-old infrastructure, the new terminal is tracking to be roughly 15% more efficient than comparable buildings.
Sustainability Features Of The New Terminal
New sustainability features include:
- The new terminal is designed with a Central Energy Plant to help streamline efficiencies in the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
- The design focuses on several key energy efficiency factors such as, utilizing LED lighting throughout, along with a day light harvesting system that reduces the overall draw from the electrical grid.
- The mechanical system is designed to utilize high-efficiency water-cooled chillers with integral free cooling and 10:1 turndown, paired with condensing boilers with 96% efficiency and 10:1 turndown.
- The plumbing system is designed with low flow plumbing fixtures, point of use instantaneous domestic water heaters and variable speed chilled water and hot water pumps, all reducing the overall water demand.
