FATForward graphic via Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Fresno Yosemite International Airport announced it is embarking on the largest facility expansion in its history to accommodate the growing demand of the Central Valley.

The mulit-year, multi-phased program, dubbed FATforward, includes $115 million in parking and terminal expansions aimed at enhancing the airport experience for travelers and guests.

“FATforwardis a significant and necessary undertaking for the Airport as the facility is simply bursting at the seams and in need of increased capacity to support current and future domestic and international air travel,” said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. “The expansion program will provide a world-class transportation facility capable of meeting the demands of the region and serve as a convenient, friendly airport with the best traveler amenities for years to come.”

The recently completed Fresno Yosemite International Airport Master Plan Update saw the need for an expansion based on current and forecasted passenger growth. Since the Great Recession, the airport has experienced 45 percent growth in passenger traffic and each year the growth surpasses that of previous years.

Components of the FATforward initiative include:

– Construction of a three-level parking garage with a total of 900 covered stalls

– Enhanced parking options such as covered and economy parking

– New International Arrivals facility to accommodate the growing volume of passenger arrivals via AeroMexico and Volaris

– Expanded outbound baggage facilities for increased capacity

– Expanded security checkpoint to support efficient passenger screening and equipment

– New upper level concourse in the existing terminal with two dual-use passenger bridges to facilitate domestic and international boarding

– Added tenant operations and concession space

Construction for the expansion is expected to begin in early 2021, following environmental studies and design, with the new facilities planned to be operational by the fall of 2022. Airport revenue sources will fund the expansion program that is anticipated to generate 1,220 direct, induced and indirect jobs and $182 million in economic activity.