This article is based on an official press release from HNTB and additional project data from Tampa International Airport.

HNTB Reaches 100% Design Milestone for Tampa International Airport’s Airside D

Infrastructure design firm HNTB has officially achieved the 100% design milestone for Airside D at Tampa International Airport (TPA), marking a critical step forward for the facility’s first new airside terminal in nearly 20 years. Working in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) and design-build partner Hensel Phelps, the team is now poised to advance the $1.5 billion project into full-scale construction.

The new terminal is a central component of the airport’s Master Plan, designed to accommodate the region’s rapid growth. According to HNTB, the design phase is now complete, setting the stage for a facility that balances operational efficiency with a distinct “sense of place” inspired by the Florida landscape.

Architectural Vision and Passenger Experience

Airside D will be the largest airside facility at TPA, spanning approximately 600,000 square feet. The design features a “daylight-driven” form with a continuous roof structure intended to guide passengers intuitively through the space. HNTB describes the architecture as being inspired by the movement of water and the region’s natural springs, utilizing changes in volume and light to assist with orientation.

In a press statement, Scott Steckler, aviation architecture managing principal at HNTB, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the milestone:

“Reaching the 100% design milestone reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire project team and our partners at TPA and the HCAA. With the design phase now complete, we’re ready to advance into full construction and bring a shared vision to life.”

The terminal is organized to serve both domestic and international flights, integrating a Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility for processing international arrivals. Key architectural features include:

• Glass Boarding Bridges: Designed to preserve views of the airfield and the surrounding bay during boarding and deplaning.
• Central Concessions Core: A daylit marketplace serving as the terminal’s social hub.
• Mezzanine Level: This upper level will house a new Delta Sky Club and a common-use lounge, offering expansive views of the airfield.

Capacity and Operational Timeline

The completion of the design phase allows the project to move into vertical construction later in 2026. The terminal is scheduled to open to the public in 2029. Once operational, Airside D will add 16 gates to the airport’s inventory, enabling TPA to increase its annual passenger capacity from approximately 25 million to an estimated 35 million by 2037.

According to project details released by TPA, the facility will include modern amenities tailored to diverse traveler needs, such as a dedicated children’s play area, a sensory room for travelers needing a quiet environment, and outdoor terraces. The project is being delivered through a progressive design-build model led by Hensel Phelps, with HNTB serving as the lead architect and Gensler as the associate architect.

AirPro News Analysis

The finalization of the Airside D design signals a shift in Tampa International Airport’s strategy from recovery to aggressive expansion. By integrating international processing capabilities directly into the new airside, TPA is positioning itself to compete more effectively for transatlantic and Latin American routes that might otherwise favor larger hubs like Miami or Orlando. The inclusion of premium lounge space and sensory-friendly amenities also reflects a broader industry trend where airports are competing on passenger experience (“CX”) rather than just connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Airside D open?
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2028, with the facility opening to passengers in 2029.

Which airlines will operate out of Airside D?
While specific gate assignments can change, the inclusion of a large Delta Sky Club suggests Delta Air Lines will be a primary tenant. The terminal is equipped to handle both domestic and international carriers.

What is the budget for the project?
The total project cost is estimated at approximately $1.5 billion, funded through a combination of bonds, grants, and airport revenues.

Sources

• HNTB
• Archinect
• Tampa International Airport

This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.

American Airlines Unveils Plans for Reimagined Concourse D at Miami International Airport

American Airlines, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and local officials, has officially unveiled plans to transform the travel experience at Miami International Airport (MIA). The centerpiece of this initiative is the “Gate D60” project, a major infrastructure expansion designed to modernize regional operations and solidify Miami’s status as a premier global gateway.

Building on nearly 40 years of history at the hub, the airline announced that the project will replace existing ground-level regional jet facilities with a new, three-level concourse. Scheduled to break ground in 2027, the expansion aims to eliminate outdoor boarding, increase gate capacity, and streamline international arrivals. According to details released by the airline and confirmed by county officials, this development represents a significant step in the airport’s broader modernization efforts.

The Gate D60 Expansion Project

The primary focus of the announcement is the complete reconstruction of the regional flight area known as Gate D60. Currently, this section of the airport supports ground operations for smaller regional jets, often requiring passengers to walk across the tarmac to board aircraft. The new project will replace this infrastructure with a modern facility capable of handling larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes.

Infrastructure and Passenger Experience

According to the press release, the new three-level Concourse D extension will feature 17 new aircraft gates. These “contact gates” will allow for direct boarding via jet bridges, eliminating the need for outdoor transfers. The design emphasizes space and comfort, expanding a single shared boarding area into adjoining spaces for every gate.

American Airlines highlighted several key amenities planned for the new facility:

• Seamless International Connections: The structure is designed with future capabilities to handle international arrivals, including direct third-floor access to the MIA customs hall.
• Modern Interiors: Renderings depict bright, expansive spaces featuring indoor palm trees to reflect the local aesthetic.
• Enhanced Services: The concourse will include new dining and shopping options for travelers.

“The brand-new, reimagined D60 is a transformational project that will provide a much-improved experience for our customers and our team. This investment, alongside new premium lounges and new routes, reflects our shared commitment with Miami-Dade County and the airport to ensure Miami remains the preeminent U.S. gateway to Latin America.”

, Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines

Operational Impact and Strategic Growth

Miami International Airport serves as American Airlines’ largest international gateway. The carrier currently accounts for more than 60% of all traffic at MIA, operating approximately 400 daily departures to 155 destinations across 45 countries. The airline noted that it plans to run its largest summer schedule ever this year, with peak operations exceeding 380 daily flights.

Network Expansion

To support this infrastructure growth, American is also expanding its route network. The airline highlighted new services launched or announced for 2026, including:

• Milan, Italy (MXP): A daily year-round service restoring a direct link to Italy.
• Bimini, Bahamas: New service to this Caribbean destination.

Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s Vice President of MIA Operations, emphasized the role of the airline’s 15,500 Miami-based team members in driving this growth. Liscano stated that the partnership with the county positions the hub for “exciting growth ahead.”

“The D60 expansion is one of the most monumental customer service improvements within our unprecedented airport-wide modernization plan, which will transform the passenger experience at MIA from the cabin to the curb over the next five years.”

, Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor

AirPro News Analysis

The shift from ground-loading regional gates to a three-story concourse with jet bridges signals a broader industry trend known as “upgauging.” Airlines are increasingly moving away from 50-seat regional jets in favor of larger dual-class regional aircraft or mainline narrowbodies. The current infrastructure at MIA’s regional end was designed for an era of smaller aircraft that is rapidly fading.

By building gates that can accommodate larger aircraft, American Airlines is not just improving comfort; they are likely preparing to increase the number of seats per departure out of Miami. This efficiency is crucial for a land-constrained airport like MIA, where runway and gate capacity are at a premium. Furthermore, the direct connection to the customs hall suggests American intends to use these gates for international flights from Latin America and the Caribbean, allowing for more flexible fleet utilization between domestic and short-haul international routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction begin on the new Concourse D expansion?

According to American Airlines, the project is set to break ground in 2027.

What is the main benefit for passengers?

The project will eliminate outdoor boarding for regional flights. Passengers will board via jet bridges (contact gates) directly from the terminal, protecting them from weather and improving accessibility.

How much is being invested in this project?

Reports indicate the specific investment for the Gate D60 project is approximately $1 billion, part of a larger multi-billion dollar modernization plan at the airport.

Will this affect international travelers?

Yes. The new facility is designed with direct access to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection hall, streamlining the process for international arrivals.

Sources

• American Airlines

China Commits to 120 Airbus Jets During Chancellor Merz’s Visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has secured a commitment from the Chinese government to purchase up to 120 additional aircraft from European aerospace manufacturer Airbus. The announcement was made on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, during the Chancellor’s inaugural state visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

According to reporting by Euronews, the agreement serves as a central economic achievement of the diplomatic mission, which aims to deepen ties between the two major economies while addressing ongoing trade disparities. The deal underscores the continued reliance of Chinese carriers on European aerospace technology amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.

Details of the Agreement

Following a dinner meeting with President Xi, Chancellor Merz confirmed to reporters that Beijing intends to place Orders for a significant number of jets. While the specific breakdown of aircraft models, such as the single-aisle A320neo family versus wide-body A350s, was not immediately detailed in the initial reports, the total volume is quantified at “up to 120 units.”

Industry data suggests that a deal of this magnitude, assuming a standard mix of single-aisle jets, could carry a list price value of approximately $15 billion to $16 billion, though Airlines typically negotiate significant discounts for bulk orders. Crucially, Merz emphasized that these are “additional” aircraft, distinct from the approximately 145 firm orders placed by Chinese carriers in late 2025 and January 2026.

Addressing the Trade Deficit

The aerospace agreement comes at a time when Germany is seeking to “reset” its economic relationship with China. Reports indicate that Germany is currently grappling with a record trade deficit with China, which reached approximately €89 billion ($105 billion) in 2025. Merz noted that this figure has quadrupled since 2020.

During the visit, the Chancellor pressed for “fair, balanced, and reciprocal” trade terms. The purchase of 120 Airbus jets is widely interpreted by analysts as a gesture from Beijing to help narrow this gap and demonstrate that economic engagement remains mutually beneficial.

“The Chinese leadership will be ordering a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus.”

, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, via press remarks in Beijing

Strategic Context and Market Impact

This announcement reinforces Airbus’s dominant position in the Chinese aviation market, where it held a market share exceeding 50% entering 2026. The European Manufacturers delivered approximately 790 aircraft globally in 2025, outpacing its American rival Boeing. The expansion of Airbus’s local production capabilities, including the second Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Tianjin, has further incentivized local procurement.

AirPro News Analysis

The Geopolitical “Tightrope”

While the headline number of 120 aircraft is a significant industrial win for Europe, we believe the timing of this deal is as political as it is commercial. With global trade tensions rising and the potential for shifts in U.S. trade policy later this spring, Beijing appears to be utilizing “checkbook diplomacy” to secure European neutrality.

By locking in long-term supply chains with Airbus, China mitigates the risk of potential sanctions or tariff wars that could impact Boeing deliveries. For Chancellor Merz, this deal offers a tangible domestic victory, proving that his administration can secure high-value Contracts for European industry even while taking a firmer stance on systemic rivalries and trade imbalances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the deal?
While no official contract value was released, industry estimates place the list price value between $15 billion and $16 billion, depending on the final mix of aircraft models.

Are these new orders?
Yes. Chancellor Merz explicitly categorized these as “additional” aircraft, separate from the ~145 orders placed by Chinese airlines in late 2025 and early 2026.

Who are the key figures involved?
The agreement was reached following meetings between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Sources

• Euronews
• Evelyn Ann-Marie Dom