The San Antonio International Airport has been awarded a $10 million grant by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to aid in the construction of its new terminal. This latest grant brings the total federal funding for the $2.5 billion terminal development project to $188 million since 2022. The funding comes as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marking the last expected installment under this legislation.
Assistant City Manager Jeff Coyle expressed satisfaction with the funding, noting the success in securing financial support over the past years. The recent grant is the largest awarded to any medium-hub airport in the United States, highlighting the significance of the project.
Contractor Selection and Local Participation
In addition to the grant announcement, aviation officials recommended a joint venture between Manhattan Construction and Joeris General Contractors for a $260 million contract to improve Terminals A and B. This decision followed a competitive bidding process, with the Manhattan-Joeris proposal surpassing those from Skanska USA and Austin Commercial. Construction is slated to begin in 2028, following the completion of Terminal C.
The airport is also preparing to release a solicitation for a common use passenger processing system in Terminal A, valued at $12 million. This system will allow multiple airlines to share check-in desks, bag drops, and gate podiums, streamlining operations. Proposals for this contract are due in July, with city council approval expected later in the year.
Local Business Opportunities
In a move to enhance local business involvement, the airport will issue a call for bids on concessions in the new terminal by late June. The solicitation is divided into four contracts, covering food and beverage, retail, travel essentials, and a duty-free shop. This approach allows for flexibility in awarding contracts, aiming to avoid delays experienced in previous solicitations.
Director of Airports Jesus Saenz emphasized the city’s commitment to local participation in these contracts, despite the absence of federally mandated disadvantaged business enterprise requirements. Councilwoman Sukh Kaur expressed a desire for more local retail concepts at the airport, where currently 70% of concessions involve local businesses.
The airport’s operating budget, which heavily relies on non-aeronautical revenue such as parking and concessions, stands to benefit significantly from these developments. The new terminal’s concessions contract is expected to be released on June 23, with bids due by September 23.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
