Inspecting Local into an International Airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) was my home airport for 20 years. It was there where I launched my business, traveling nearly three million air miles in the first decade of our business.  It has been lavished with national awards as best American airport by business travelers.

But, it is the most recent renovation that caught my eye.  If you have not seen it lately, it is amazing.  The signature element of it is the wood roof or ceiling, a remarkable nine-acre mass timber roof constructed entirely from sustainably sourced Douglas fir. All the wood was procured from within 300 miles of the airport, emphasizing local materials and supporting regional economies.  Main sourcing came from tribal nations, family-owned forests, and community and non-profit forests.

My favorite part of the new airport concourse is the “stadium waiting area”, like really well done old-school basketball bleachers made of wood.  Family and friends waiting for their passengers to arrive to sit in comfort while those deplaning feel like they are entering a stadium when they walk into the concourse.