Commercial Aviation
Cleveland Hopkins Airport $1.1B Overhaul to Boost Regional Travel by 2032
Cleveland Hopkins Airport’s $1.1B redevelopment, set for 2032, modernizes infrastructure, enhances travel experience, and boosts Ohio’s economy.
The $1.1 Billion Cleveland Hopkins Terminal Overhaul: A New Era for Air Travel in Northeast Ohio
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is set to undergo a transformative $1.1 billion redevelopment that promises to reshape the traveler experience and redefine the airport’s role as a regional transportation hub. The centerpiece of this ambitious project is a brand-new terminal to be constructed on the site of the current Smart Parking Garage, with a targeted opening in 2032. This long-awaited modernization comes at a critical juncture for the airport, which has seen rising passenger traffic and mounting pressure to improve aging infrastructure.
Announced in May 2025 by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Director of Port Control Bryant Francis, the project not only represents a significant investment in local infrastructure but also signals Cleveland’s commitment to becoming a world-class city with world-class amenities. With a phased rollout that includes new parking facilities, a Ground Transportation Center, and an updated RTA station, the plan aims to minimize disruption while maximizing long-term value for both travelers and the regional economy.
This article explores the scope, significance, and strategic vision behind the Cleveland Hopkins redevelopment, offering insights into its phased implementation, design philosophy, economic impact, and alignment with national and global airport trends.
Strategic Phasing and Infrastructure Planning
Phase One: Parking and Ground Transportation
The first major step in the redevelopment is the construction of a new 6,000-space parking garage on the current Orange Lot, slated for completion in 2029. This facility will replace the existing Smart Parking Garage, which will later be demolished to make room for the new terminal. The plan ensures continuity in parking services and aims to address long-standing capacity issues that have plagued travelers during peak seasons.
In addition to parking, the new garage will house a Ground Transportation Center and a relocated RTA Red Line station. This move aligns with broader transportation goals by improving multimodal connectivity and reducing reliance on personal vehicles. The integration of public transit options is a forward-thinking approach that reflects sustainability trends in airport planning.
Before the Orange Lot garage is completed, a new Gold Lot with 1,600 spaces will be constructed adjacent to the long-closed Concourse D, with an expected opening in 2026. This interim solution ensures that travelers will not experience a reduction in parking availability during construction.
“We’re really wanting and needing to focus on improving the front of house,” said Bryant Francis, Director of Port Control. “That’s critical to improving the guest experience.”
Phase Two: Terminal Construction and Design Features
Once the new parking infrastructure is in place, the current garage will be demolished to make way for the new terminal. Designed by Dallas-based Corgan architects, the terminal will feature expansive glass walls, high ceilings with skylights, and architectural nods to Lake Erie and Cleveland’s industrial heritage. These elements aim to create a sense of place while enhancing natural lighting and passenger comfort.
The new terminal will focus primarily on landside improvements, including updated ticketing and baggage claim areas, a consolidated TSA screening checkpoint, and a new customs facility. Post-security, travelers will find a modern food court and retail spaces, although upgrades to gate areas and concourses are deferred to a later phase.
Importantly, the new terminal will be built a few hundred feet from the existing structure, connected by pedestrian bridges. This approach minimizes operational disruptions and allows for continuous airport functionality during construction.
Funding and Airline Partnerships
Financing such a massive project requires close coordination with airline stakeholders. As of May 2025, airlines operating at CLE have committed $301 million toward the new parking garage and an additional $175 million for pre-construction activities. Negotiations are ongoing for the remainder of the terminal’s $1.1 billion cost, with final agreements expected in 2026.
Representatives from United and Frontier Airlines, the airport’s two largest carriers, have expressed support for the plan. Their involvement is crucial not only for funding but also for ensuring that the terminal meets operational needs and passenger expectations.
Airport officials are optimistic that continued collaboration with airline partners will result in a fully funded, state-of-the-art facility that positions CLE for long-term success.
Economic and Regional Impact
Boosting Local Economy and Job Creation
The terminal overhaul is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and stimulate economic activity across Greater Cleveland. From contractors and engineers to hospitality and retail workers, the project’s ripple effects will be felt well beyond the airport grounds.
Local businesses are also likely to benefit from increased foot traffic and improved traveler experiences. The airport has announced an Industry Day on June 3 to engage regional contractors and suppliers, emphasizing its commitment to local economic inclusion.
By modernizing its primary gateway, Cleveland positions itself to attract more business travelers, tourists, and events, thereby enhancing its competitiveness among peer cities like Pittsburgh and Columbus.
Passenger Experience and Capacity Management
In 2024, CLE served over 10.17 million passengers, the highest volume since 2008. Unlike the past, when CLE served as a hub for Continental Airlines, today’s travelers are predominantly origin-and-destination passengers. This shift places greater demand on parking, check-in, baggage, and security facilities.
The new terminal addresses these challenges head-on by expanding landside services and streamlining passenger flow. A single centralized TSA checkpoint and updated baggage systems are expected to significantly reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency.
While airside improvements are not included in the initial phase, airport officials have committed to revisiting concourse and gate upgrades in the near future. This phased approach allows CLE to tackle its most pressing issues first while laying the groundwork for comprehensive modernization.
Alignment with National and Global Trends
According to the Airports Council International (ACI), North American airports are projected to invest over $150 billion in capital improvements through 2025. Cleveland’s redevelopment is part of this broader trend, reflecting a nationwide push to modernize aging infrastructure and accommodate future growth.
Other major projects, such as those at LaGuardia and O’Hare, have similarly focused on integrating public transit, enhancing passenger amenities, and adopting sustainable design practices. Cleveland’s inclusion of an RTA station and Ground Transportation Center mirrors these efforts and positions the city as a forward-thinking player in the aviation space.
Globally, airports like Amsterdam Schiphol have prioritized rail connectivity and environmental sustainability. While Cleveland’s project is still in its early stages, its focus on accessibility and efficiency suggests a willingness to embrace best practices from around the world.
Conclusion
The $1.1 billion redevelopment of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is more than a construction project, it’s a strategic investment in the city’s future. By addressing critical infrastructure needs and enhancing the passenger experience, the new terminal promises to elevate CLE’s status as a regional hub and economic driver.
As the project moves forward, continued collaboration with airline partners, local businesses, and the broader community will be essential. With careful planning and execution, Cleveland’s “CLEvolution” could serve as a model for other mid-sized airports facing similar challenges.
FAQ
When will the new Cleveland Hopkins terminal be completed?
The new terminal is expected to open in 2032, following the completion of the new parking garage and other preparatory infrastructure.
What will happen to the current terminal and parking garage?
The existing Smart Parking Garage will be demolished to make room for the new terminal. The current terminal will eventually be torn down after the new facility is operational.
Will the new terminal include upgrades to gate areas?
Not initially. Upgrades to concourses and gate areas are planned for a future phase, once the landside terminal is completed.
Sources: Cleveland.com, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Airports Council International (ACI), Boyd Group International
Photo Credit: Axios
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG and WestJet Finalize 13 Boeing 737-10 Lease Agreements
ACG and WestJet signed long-term leases for 13 Boeing 737-10 jets, pending FAA and Transport Canada certification.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and WestJet finalized long-term lease agreements on July 14, 2026, for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, positioning the Canadian carrier to potentially receive the first delivery of the variant from the lessor’s orderbook.
The transaction, announced in a press release by ACG, expands an existing relationship between the two companies following the delivery of two Boeing 737-8 aircraft in February 2026. The agreement supports WestJet’s fleet renewal strategy while highlighting ACG’s growing backlog of Boeing’s largest narrowbody variant.
Fleet expansion and the Boeing 737-10
The Boeing 737-10 represents 30 percent of the total 737 MAX order backlog, with more than 1,400 orders globally. According to ACG, the aircraft offers a 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat and a 20 percent increase in revenue potential compared to older generation aircraft.
ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated that the two companies share a strong commitment to the type, with over 140 aircraft on order between them.
“This makes ACG the leading lessor customer for the type and WestJet one of the largest airline customers,” Baker said.
WestJet Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Mike Scott noted that shifting deliveries to the 737-10 provides the airline with added flexibility to scale operations and meet passenger demand.
Certification timeline and labor context
The Boeing 737-10 has not yet received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Transport Canada (TC). ACG confirmed that deliveries to WestJet will commence only after the aircraft achieves regulatory approval.
The lessor has aggressively expanded its 737 MAX portfolio. In January 2026, ACG finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including 25 737-10s. This acquisition gave ACG the largest 737-10 orderbook of any aircraft lessor.
Labor unrest at WestJet
The fleet announcement arrives amid significant labor friction at the Canadian airline. On July 15, 2026, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, announced that 99.4 percent of voting members authorized strike action. A legal strike could commence as early as August 2, 2026, potentially disrupting the carrier’s operations as it plans for future capacity growth.
AirPro News analysis
We view this lease agreement as a strategic hedge for both parties. For WestJet, securing 737-10s through a lessor provides delivery flexibility while the airline navigates immediate labor challenges and awaits the variant’s final certification. For ACG, placing 13 uncertified airframes with an established North American operator validates its heavy investment in the 737-10 program. The success of this timeline remains entirely dependent on the FAA and Transport Canada certification schedules.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Luxair Orders Boeing 737-10 Jets at Farnborough 2026
Luxair converts 737-10 options to firm orders at Farnborough 2026, reaching 12 total 737 family aircraft on order.
Luxair has expanded its narrowbody fleet commitment by converting two options for the Boeing 737-10 into firm orders and securing two additional options during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.
The July 21, 2026, announcement by The Boeing Company brings the Luxembourg flag carrier’s total firm order book for the 737 family to 12 aircraft. The agreement supports Luxair’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, which focuses on increasing passenger capacity while reducing the airline’s environmental footprint.
Fleet expansion and aircraft specifications
Once all deliveries are completed, Luxair’s Boeing 737 fleet will consist of eight Boeing 737-8s and four Boeing 737-10s. The airline placed its initial order for two 737-10 aircraft in 2024 and is now moving to integrate the new-generation narrowbodies into a network that serves more than 100 destinations across Europe and beyond.
Luxair has selected a 213-seat configuration for its Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The cabin will feature the Boeing Sky Interior with redesigned seats offering a 76 cm pitch. The 737-10 is the largest model in the MAX family, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers in a maximum high-density configuration, with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).
“This agreement represents another important milestone in the execution of our long-term fleet strategy,” said Gilles Feith, Chief Executive Officer of Luxair. “As we continue to grow, delivering an outstanding passenger experience remains at the heart of every fleet decision we make. The Boeing 737-10 provides the additional capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility we need to support future demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, comfort and service our customers expect from Luxair.”
Environmental and operational targets
The integration of the Boeing 737-10 is central to Luxair’s sustainability initiatives. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the new aircraft deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the older generation aircraft they will replace. According to Boeing, each new-generation 737 saves an average of 8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The operational efficiency of the new fleet is designed to support Luxair’s growth trajectory following a strong performance in 2025, during which the airline transported 2.6 million passengers.
“Both the 737-8 and 737-10 are perfectly suited across Luxair’s network, increasing capacity on to its regional routes, comfortably serving more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President of Europe and Israel Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With the selection of the 737-8 and 737-10, Luxair is building a more profitable and sustainable operation.”
AirPro News analysis
Luxair’s decision to convert options into firm orders at the Farnborough International Airshow signals strong confidence in the Boeing 737-10 as the cornerstone of its high-density European routes. By standardizing its future narrowbody growth around the 737-8 and 737-10, we see Luxair prioritizing fleet commonality, which traditionally lowers maintenance and crew training costs. The retention of two new purchase rights also provides the carrier with a low-risk mechanism to secure future delivery slots in a constrained global supply chain environment.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Boeing
Commercial Aviation
ACG and Skymark Airlines Finalize Seven Boeing 737-10 Leases
Aviation Capital Group and Skymark Airlines sign leases for seven Boeing 737-10s, with deliveries starting 2028 to grow Haneda capacity.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines (BC) have finalized lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
Announced on July 20, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement supports Skymark’s strategy to increase passenger capacity on domestic routes operating out of the highly slot-constrained Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The Boeing 737-10 is the largest variant in the 737 MAX family, offering the airline a higher-density configuration compared to its existing fleet.
Fleet Modernization and Capacity Growth
Skymark currently operates a fleet of 30 aircraft, consisting of Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737-8s. According to fleet data reported by ch-aviation, the airline plans to configure the newly leased Boeing 737-10s with 207 seats. This represents an increase of 30 seats per aircraft over its current 177-seat Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 configurations.
The capacity increase is critical for Skymark’s operations at HND, where adding new flights is restricted by slot availability. Aviation Week reports that Skymark is offering 6.03 million seats across its domestic network during the summer 2026 season, representing a 0.4 percent increase year-over-year. The introduction of the larger Boeing 737-10 will allow the carrier to grow its passenger volume without requiring additional departure slots.
“For airlines serving high-density markets from slot-constrained airports, the ability to add capacity, improve efficiency, and maximize revenue opportunities is critical,” ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated in the July 20 press release.
Expanding Boeing 737 MAX Commitments
The ACG lease agreement builds on Skymark’s existing commitments for the Boeing 737 MAX family. Aviation Week notes that the carrier already holds firm orders directly with The Boeing Company for seven Boeing 737-10s, alongside a mix of orders and lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-8s. Skymark became the first Japanese airline to introduce the Boeing 737-8 into commercial service in May 2026, debuting the aircraft on the route between HND and Fukuoka Airport (FUK).
Skymark Airlines President and Representative Director Yoshihiro Miwa highlighted the operational benefits of the new aircraft.
“We look forward to operating the 737-10, which boasts the largest capacity in the MAX series, and welcoming even more passengers to enjoy the Skymark experience.”
The Boeing 737-10 is also expected to deliver improved operating economics. A May 2026 Skymark fleet presentation cited by ch-aviation estimated a 19 percent reduction in fuel costs per seat for the Boeing 737-10 compared to the older-generation Boeing 737-800.
Aviation Capital Group’s Farnborough Momentum
The Skymark deal marks the second major Boeing 737-10 placement announced by ACG in July 2026. On July 14, 2026, the lessor announced long-term lease agreements with Canadian carrier WestJet (WS) for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
The consecutive agreements underscore strong lessor demand for the largest MAX variant as airlines seek to maximize yield in constrained airport environments.
AirPro News analysis
We view Skymark’s decision to lease additional Boeing 737-10s as a pragmatic approach to the strict slot limitations at Tokyo Haneda Airport. By upgauging from the Boeing 737-800 to the 737-10, Skymark can add 30 seats per departure. This strategy mirrors a broader industry trend where carriers operating in congested hubs rely on larger narrowbody variants to drive growth when frequency expansion is impossible. Securing these airframes through a lessor like ACG provides Skymark with delivery certainty starting in 2028, insulating the carrier’s near-term growth plans from potential direct-from-manufacturer delivery delays.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
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