San Francisco International Airport opened its new $1 billion international terminal last month, phasing in services by 24 airlines over five days. The carriers currently operate 260 flights a day.
Part of a $2.4 billion airport expansion and improvement programme, the new international facility was originally scheduled to open for business in June 2000. But jitters about potential problems with baggage, computer, building and environmental systems - some of the problems that hampered new facilities at Denver, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong - led to several delays. Officials said last month they were convinced all systems were operating well.
The 230,000m2 (2.5 million ft2) terminal has two concourses containing 24 wide-body gates. It will be used by nearly 8 million passengers a year, growing to 12 million by 2006.
Source: Airline Business
