Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) will see more than $1 billion of investment as part of the SDF Next Program, its on-going capital improvement efforts for both the terminal and airfield.
To date, the Kentucky gateway – which handled a record 4.8 million passengers in 2024 – has invested close to $350 million on projects since the launch of the programme five years ago, with more than $260 million expected to be completed in the next two years.
“We knew this was a massive undertaking for significant improvements both in the terminal and on the airfield when we began planning for this in 2018 and thought we were initially looking at $200 million in total costs,” admitted Louisville Regional Airport Authority executive director, Dan Mann.
“Knowing that within two years we’re going to go beyond the $600 million mark for investment at SDF – eventually reaching $1 billion – is progress I look forward to experiencing.
“Even with more projects coming, I am proud of the work we are doing, especially knowing that SDF is further preparing for the future for our passengers and airline partners.”
In the Jerry E Abramson Terminal, more than $205 million in projects has been completed including the addition of a state-of-the-art Airport Operations Command Center and security upgrades, a new Rental Car Facility, upgrades to the mechanical systems, the installation of a geothermal heating-and-cooling system, various parking improvements and more.
Within the last year, the entire baggage claim area was reopened following a complete renovation with a new baggage handling system and carousels, rental car counters, an Airport Information Center and, in partnership with Louisville Tourism, the opening of their Welcome Center.
“We had just kicked off the SDF Next Program, then were faced with the global pandemic,” added Mann. “We took full advantage of that time to move forward with various passenger and airfield projects. knowing we minimised the impacts with the lower traffic volumes and airfield activity.
“In 2020 alone, we tripled our capital improvement investment with combined projects and have continued at that pace.”
On the airfield, Taxiway G has been reconstructed while Taxiway L has been extended, all aimed at improving airfield movement efficiencies.
The northwest quadrant development and connector to Taxiway A were completed with the grand opening of a new $220 million UPS Hangar to maintain their fleet including the Boeing 747-8. Various electrical upgrades have been completed to airfield lighting and the east airfield electrical vault as well as the replacement of the airfield signs.
Plus, more than $25 million has been invested in pavement rehabilitation projects alone. Since 2019, SDF also added to its cargo ramp apron with a 30-acre addition near the West Runway and a nine-acre addition to the terminal ramp atop the geothermal wellfield.
In the next two years, the airport says thatr travellers can expect to see even more improvements happening in the terminal including the opening of the new, expanded security checkpoint, a significant realignment of the terminal’s approach roadways and improvements post-security to the concourses and gate areas.
On the airfield, reconstruction is expected on Taxiways B and D, phase 1 of the East Runway’s Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) will be installed and electrical work will continue including the completion of the SDF MicroGrid.
SDF notes that its MicroGrid will allow the airport to remain fully operational in the event of a power failure or emergency.
Other major projects that are still several years until completion include exterior improvements to the terminal, the addition of a new parking garage, enhancements to the ticketing level and the extension of Taxiway A.
Mann concluded: “While there are more good things and positive momentum on the horizon, we’ve accomplished a lot in past five years.
“I’m confident moving forward that we will continue our commitment for SDF to be a best-in-class airport.”
Source: Airport World
