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Airport director: new terminal on track for mid‑March substantial completion; jetways due soon
Summary
The airport director told the Beaufort County board the Hilton Head terminal is nearing substantial completion in mid‑March with final completion about a month later, jetways should be operational before mid‑March, and United plans expanded service to Chicago next year.
The airport’s director told the Beaufort County board that construction of the new Hilton Head terminal is approaching completion, with substantial completion targeted for mid‑March and final completion about a month later. The director said the project has passed most weather‑sensitive work and crews are finishing siding, roofing and interior terrazzo and tile work.
The timing matters because the board plans to install jetways and transition operations. “Those jet bridges will sit and wait until the concrete is poured and dried and ready to be installed,” the director said, and the board was told the jetways are expected to be operational before mid‑March. The director added that final inspections and a one‑month punch‑list period would follow substantial completion.
Why it matters: the new wing is meant to improve passenger flow and allow the airport to transition away from portable trailers and temporary spaces. The board was reminded that phase 2 — a later renovation of the old terminal to match the new side — still needs funding and will be scheduled once staff secures additional money.
The director also described work to modernize the control tower and weather reporting. The FAA has connected fiber to the tower, the director said, moving the tower off landline communications and reducing weather‑related outages. The tower rehab has new flooring and paint on lower levels; remaining cab work at the top of the tower is expected to take another one to two months.
On air service, the director said United notified the airport it intends to expand service to Chicago, which the director said will add 10 new routes affecting the airport’s schedule next year; specific flight frequencies and timetables were not yet released. The board heard no schedule details.
What’s next: staff said they will continue negotiations with carriers to encourage year‑round service, complete installation of jetways once site concrete cures and pursue phase‑2 funding to renovate the old hold room and remove portable trailers. The board scheduled follow‑up meetings on hangar funding and entitlement funding for tree mitigation.
The board adjourned after routine business; staff will bring further timeline and funding updates as projects progress.
