American Eagle has become the first regional carrier to offer covered boarding at Los Angeles International, following the opening of a 13,50m² (14,500ft²) satellite terminal, which features telescoping walkways. The Euros 3 billion ($3.3 billion) contract to a consortium led by Hochtief for a new international airport in Berlin has been cancelled by a tribunal in Brandenburg. This followed a complaint from the losing group, led by IVG Holding, about irregularities in the original offer. Work on Berlin Brandenburg International Airport was due to begin in 2003, with the opening four years later, but this is now in doubt. It is to be built at the original Schonefeld site in south-east Berlin. US Airways and the City of Philadelphia have begun building $400 million-worth of new terminal facilities for regional and international operations. The new 72,900m2 international terminal will be a four-level facility, with 12 widebody gates, and is scheduled to open in mid-2001. A new 17,650m2 regional terminal, due to open in early 2001, will be used by US Airways Express. The regional terminal will be next to the new regional runway, due to open at the end of this year. The new facilities will be linked to the renovated terminal building. Qantas has opened its new A$250 million ($163 million) domestic terminal at Sydney Airport. The 85,000m2 terminal features 14 gates, including two capable of handling Boeing 747s. Work has begun on United Airlines' $26.5 million cargo facility at Miami International Airport. Located on a 3.3Ha (8acre) plot, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as United's main cargo gateway for cargo throughout Latin America. It will have 20 dock bays, featuring large truck-loading doors, and is due to open late next year. Orlando International Airport says that Virgin Atlantic has become the first airline to sign a long term deal for the new South terminal, to open in late 2002. The $1.2 billion expansion will more than double annual capacity, to 70 million.
Source: Flight International
