Port of Seattle authorizes $230 million Sea-Tac renovation

The port of Seattle Commission said it has given final design authorization for an estimated $230 million renovation of the north satellite at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to better serve passengers. Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) will become the sole user of the north satellite as part of an airline realignment scheduled to be completed in 2013.

Management said that the project will include modernizing facilities, seismic upgrades, enhanced traveler amenities, three new gates and a new roof-top lounge for Alaska Airlines, soon to be the sole tenant in the north satellite.

The North Sea-Tac Airport Renovations (or North STAR project) will be an unprecedented working arrangement between the port and Alaska Airlines, Sea-Tac's largest airline. Alaska will work with the port throughout the project with the goal of improving its customers' experience from airport drop-off to flight departure. Additional renovations will include various improvements to the main terminal, the C and D concourses, and the airfield.

The renovation will be completed in stages to carefully coordinate the construction around continued operation of the north satellite and create the least impact to passenger traffic.

Design contracts will be awarded soon and visual renderings for the project are expected to be released by mid-2013. Construction is expected to start no later than winter of 2014 with completion in late 2016. [final construction schedules are still to be determined]

Alaska Airlines will become the sole user of the north satellite as part of an airline realignment scheduled to be completed in 2013. The realignment will move ticket counters and gate locations for several airlines to make efficient use of the airport.

The realignment is necessary due to airline mergers and the need for Alaska Air Group to consolidate operations at the north satellite. The public will see six airlines (American, Frontier, Hawaiian, jetBlue, United/Continental, and Virgin America) move from their current spaces to new locations. No service interruptions will affect passengers or operations.

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