An artist's rendering shows a revamped international arrivals facility as part of Fresno Yosemite International's FATforward project. Image via FAT

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is embarking on a $120 million terminal expansion expected to accommodate a forecasted 18% growth in traffic through 2030.

The Fresno City Council on Thursday awarded a $10.1 million contract to Fresno-based Teichert Construction for the East Apron Reconfiguration project, which will provide aircraft circulation and parking space for the major terminal expansion dubbed FATforward.

Funded through a $12 million Federal Aviation Administration grant, the east apron reconfiguration work includes increasing and expanding concrete surfaces to provide aircraft circulation and parking positions necessary to accommodate larger aircraft to serve the new international/domestic gates.

 

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s Terminal Expansion Program is the first major improvement to the airport in more than twenty years and supports our growing Central Valley region,” said Director of Aviation Henry Thompson. “Today’s construction contract award by the Fresno City Council for east apron work and federal grant support from our region’s Congressional representatives to fund this reconfiguration project gets us that much closer to making this expansion a reality and providing a higher level of service for the community.”

After completion of the apron reconfiguration, work on Phase 1 of the Terminal begins with an expanded Transportation Security Administration passenger screening area that will enhance passenger circulation and reduce wait times.

 

Phase 2 of Terminal construction includes new TSA and airline baggage handling areas with added capacity and a new upper-level concourse with two dual-use passenger bridges to facilitate domestic and international boarding, larger holdrooms and space for new shopping and dining concessions. A new international arrivals facility triples its current size to accommodate the growing volume of international passengers at FAT with the goal of improving the overall passenger experience for international travelers.

The first part of FATforward was realized in November 2021 with the opening of a new, four-level parking garage — the airport’s first multi-level, covered parking structure with over 900 spaces and additional capacity.

The $120 million Fatforward project is financed through federal funding, local Measure C funds, Passenger Facility Charge Fees and airport revenue bonds.