- January 15, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and its emerging primary carrier have pledged allegiance to one another with this week’s opening of the new Concourse A and its five ground level boarding gates.
With the new terminal fully leased by Allegiant Air, which serviced its first flights on Wednesday, SRQ held its grand opening gala and ribbon cutting Tuesday night, providing the first public viewing of the facility
As they awaited comments from airport and airline officials, dignitaries and guests were serenaded by a string quartet as they imbibed in refreshments catered by Mattison’s in the cavernous atrium punctuated by floor-to-high-ceiling glass providing a panoramic view of the airfield.
After 10 minutes of thanking all involved in making possible the airport’s first significant expansion since 1989, SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo singled out Allegiant Air, which since first landing here in 2018 has significantly expanded its routes here.
“I want to especially single out Allegiant tonight as they never hesitated when they became aware of the terminal project and committed to take all five gates,” Piccolo said. “They didn't hesitate with a $175,000 sponsorship of the playground that's going up at the new observation area. They have been a tremendous partner. In fact, Allegiant carried more new passengers in December than any other airline at SRQ and have the most seats scheduled January through February of our 11 carriers. So to say Allegiant has been a strong partner is a big understatement.”
Of the four Allegiant jets parked outside the concourse awaiting Wednesday’s initial flights, one was emblazoned with a custom wrap promoting Sarasota and Bradenton, which Piccolo said is the first in the airline’s history.
“This moment marks another milestone in what has been an incredible journey in partnership with SRQ, which began in 2018 when we announced service here with just three nonstop destinations,” said Allegiant Senior Vice President Michael Broderick. “Today, seven years later, we are proud to offer more than 27 nonstop options.”
Concourse A represents the first new gates opened at SRQ since its $70 million, 13-gate terminal complex opened 35 years ago. Current investment in Concourse A, which includes upgrades in Terminal B for utilities, restroom renovations, the new escalators in ticketing and baggage and other enhancements all on the same contract, is about $115 million.
Piccolo called it a valuable investment that will pay dividends for decades to come and is essential to meeting the demands of the airport’s rapid growth over the past five years.
In 2018, SRQ served approximately 1.3 million passengers with six carriers and 12 nonstop destinations. “Today, the airport handles over 4.3 million passengers, has 11 airlines and 68 nonstop destinations,” Piccolo said. “SRQ has an annual economic impact on a community of over $3.2 billion and over 23,000 jobs in the community are derived from the airports activities. With the opening of this new terminal wing, we expect continued passenger and destination growth and even greater positive economic and job impact on the community.”
Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority Jesse Biter took the opportunity to acknowledge Piccolo’s three decades of service to the airport, and his role in the SRQ's growth and success. Piccolo will retire this year at age 73.
“I've been on the board for four years. I've sat on numerous other boards, and I have to tell you, this is the absolute best operator I've ever seen,” Biter said. “He’s been committed to this airport for 30 years, and. He's brought the board's vision to life with what you see here. He works nonstop. He's worked through the hurricanes. We've seen long security lines in the past. We've seen roofs torn off, and he's here for every second of that. He knows every person's name, he does not quit and I'll tell you, we're very lucky to have had him for this long.”
In addition to the five gates, Concourse A includes upgraded dining options and bar options including local restaurants Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Patricks, as well as a sundries shop. Because it is separated from Concourse B for now, it has a dedicated security screening area.
Moving into its new gates, Allegiant has vacated Concourse B, leaving that capacity to be filled by other airlines. More gates in Concourse A are on the drawing board, including a five-gate expansion at the south end of the new building and three at the north end, the latter elevated gates served by jet bridges as part of a connector between Concourse A and Concourse B.
The long-range airport master plan includes a Concourse C and 32 total gates.
