Summary San Francisco International Airport embarks on a $2.6B T3 West Modernization project. United Airlines is excited about improvements and looking to grow at the state-of-the-art SFO.
T3 upgrades include a new facade, self-bag drop, security checkpoints, and international passenger-friendly enhancements. Commercial aviation's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is virtually complete, apart from recouping the staggering losses incurred. Airports have been central to that recovery and are to be applauded for continuing to invest in new facilities and technologies, such as the upgrades now underway at San Francisco International Airport.
Start of a long road Last week, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced it had launched the $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project. The full project will culminate in early 2029 when a renovated check-in lobby at the eastern end of Terminal 3 is opened, with various stages opening progressively from the fall of 2027.
The Terminal 3 (T3) construction project will renovate the existing 650,000 square foot western half of the terminal, including a "seismic retrofit," an expanded security checkpoint and new passenger amenities. The works will also create 200,000 square feet of additional space, allowing for expanded food, beverage and retail concessions, with this section expected to open in fall 2027. United Airlines is the largest airline operating at SFO, followed by Alaska Airlines , American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines.
United Vice President of Airport Operations at SFO Lori Augustine said the airline is always looking to grow at SFO and is thrilled that the state-of-the-art improvements will attract even more passengers to the airport. "We've had an incredible partnership with the airport for many decades, and our work with them on the T3 West project is a symbol of our commitment to San Francisco and the faith we have in this city as one of the most desirable places to live, work, and visit." It is the newest space within The Club’s global network of airport lounges.
A lot to do at T3 The primary elements of the T3 West project will add a welcoming new exterior facade that greets travelers curbside and provides extra space for check-in. The larger check-in area will include new technology self-bag drop stations and new security checkpoints, including one on the mezzanine level for AirTrain passengers. International passengers will also benefit from the upgrade, with direct access to the Customs Hall located in the International Terminal via a new Federal Inspection Service sterile connector.
The SFO T3 project also incorporates a new six-story building, which will house operational office space and those all-important airline lounges . There is a strong link between long-haul flying and emissions reduction, as recently shown by Air New Zealand. The renovated and expanded western half is expected to open in the fall of 2027, the new six-story building is scheduled to open in early 2028, and a renovated check-in lobby on the eastern end of Terminal 3 is expected to open in early 2029.
To facilitate passenger movement between terminals and boarding areas, a temporary walkway will be constructed around the project site. In today's climate, a project of this size has to have sustainability firmly embedded in its DNA, so the airport is targeting LEED Platinum certification. The project includes daylight harvesting, displacement ventilation, on-site photovoltaic cells, waste heat recovery, low-carbon steel and concrete, energy-smart baggage handling, recycled water and health-friendly materials.
At its busiest period, the project is expected to employ 500-600 workers and will likely award more than $173 million in contracts to Local Business Enterprises..
