Civil Engineering Companies: Shaping the History of the New Orleans International Airport

The year 1960 brought to life a once humble Moisant Field and renamed it as New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Over the decades, this aviation hub had served as a portal for flights from the Pelican State to many South American countries. It was in 1990 that the New Orleans Aviation Board launched a Strategic Growth Plan (SGP), aimed at making MSY at par with global standards.

What Had Been Done

The Bureau of Governmental Research identified the continuing issues that the airport needed to address, even during the implementation of the SGP. During this decade, the airport is able to operate at the ideal capacity. But with the constant influx of flights towards the New Orleans area, there was a need for improving current structures and expanding facilities further.

The 8-year rehabilitation plan for the New Orleans International Airport needed the expertise of civil engineering companies to draft out plans for bigger cargo areas, more spacious runways, additional concourses, and more modernized arrival and departure terminals. From 1995 to 2003, private firms and civil aviation authorities worked together to breathe new life into this busy hub. It was in 2001 when the city proudly renamed this gem as the Louis Armstrong International Airport.

When Katrina struck the gulf states in 2005, MSY became a key station for providing shelter, administering emergency aid, and accepting incoming relief donations from all over the country. Commercial flights needed to be shut down for several days. Fortunately, the resilient MSY was able to bounce back and resume its normal operations within a month.

Ongoing Work and Beyond

Modernization efforts for MSY are far from completed. Authorities constantly issue contracts to trusted civil engineers and private firms to ensure the safety and integrity of the airport, even in the midst of crises like Katrina and recent massive flooding.

In 2013, the New Orleans government launched an expansion project with the goal of building a new terminal to accommodate MSY’s growing clientele. From the 22 existing gates, the airport may be able to have as much as 35 to 42 more in the future. The said program is targeting a completion date in 2018, which will be part of the celebration of the city’s 300th birthday.

Beyond rebuilding the face of New Orleans aviation, civil engineering consultants have truly been integral in updating the facilities to make traveling safer and more efficient for all. Without their expertise, the successfully world-class Louis Armstrong International Airport will not be as it is today.

Sources:

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, FlyMSY.com

New Orleans International Airport – Governance, Regional Cooperation and Airport Expansion, BGR.com