Quad City International Airport selects firm for $20 million campus improvements
January 21, 2020
JANUARY 21, 2020 | MOLINE, ILLINOIS – The Quad City International Airport (QCIA) will transform over the next several years in an effort to improve passenger experience and attract new air service. Minneapolis-based Alliiance has been selected as the architecture firm to design and implement several improvements, both cosmetic and functional.
The airport is a significant gateway to the community for traveling Quad Citizens as well as visitors. Visit Quad Cities will be an important partner during the visioning phase to align on putting the region’s best foot forward.
“We want to create a sense of place that reflects the community we serve,” said Ben Leischner, A.A.E., Executive Director, QCIA.
The land side terminal has not seen improvements since the mid-1980s. Reconfiguring the bag check and security screening process are part of the planned upgrades which will be more efficient for passengers but also better meet post-9/11 security needs.
Leischner is eager to begin the process and develop concepts with Alliiance. Part of the initial steps include prioritizing projects, especially those that will directly improve the customer experience. Passengers are more likely to fly from an airport that’s reliable. The increased traffic helps gain the attention of airlines looking to expand services.
“We have all these aspirations but Alliiance will help us define what’s reasonable, what’s achievable and what will have the greatest long-term impact,” said Leischner.
Alliiance is a leader in terminal planning and design. Their work is showcased in 108 airports across the globe, including significant projects throughout the Midwest in Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Louisville, Kentucky, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Memphis.
”We are excited to be able to work with Mr. Leischer, airport staff, the board, tenants, and community to develop a vision for the future of the Quad City International Airport that improves passenger experience and celebrates the community,” said Eric Peterson, principal, Alliiance. “It is very rewarding for our designers, including terminal designer and Geneseo-native Michael McClimon, to partner on these kind of projects that have such a potential to improve people’s daily lives.”
Construction could still be 2-3 years out given the lead time for planning phases and waiting for FAA funding to become available. The planning of phases also helps ensure there is minimal impact to passengers.
In the meantime, other amenities will be added including two children’s play areas, valet parking and covered parking with solar panels affixed to the roofs for clean energy.
“While the decision to add routes or new cities lies with the airlines, we hope these improvements keep our regional travelers coming back,” said Leischner. “When we can prove to the airlines that we have a public that’s willing to pay their airfare and fill their planes, they’re more likely to consider Quad City International Airport. Growth is our objective and we are confident about the trajectory we’re on.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ashleigh Johnston, Public Relations and Marketing Manager at 309-757-1743 or [email protected].