AvGeekery has followed the Pittsburgh International Airport transformation project for several years now. We are finally in the home stretch, counting down the weeks until the new facility opens to the public. Before that happens, though, you have a chance to help make the opening of PIT’s gleaming new airport go off without a hitch. And, in our opinion, it’s a really unique opportunity.
You’ve heard of movie studios calling for extras to fill out a blockbuster scene, but have you ever considered a casting call for an airport’s grand opening? That’s exactly what’s happening at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) as it gears up for its highly anticipated transformation debut this fall.
The Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) is rolling out the red carpet—or rather, the jet bridge—for 3,000 to 4,000 volunteers to participate in a full-scale “Day One” dress rehearsal this September. This test run is a chance for the public to shape the future of air travel in Western Pennsylvania.
A Blockbuster in the Making: The Public Trial
Imagine stepping into Pittsburgh International Airport as if you’re catching a flight, only this time, you’re an actor in a carefully scripted aviation drama. Scheduled for September 2025 (exact date TBD), the public trial is a mock “Day One” designed to simulate the hustle and bustle of a peak travel day.
Volunteers will assume passenger roles, navigating check-in, security checkpoints, baggage claim, and more while following scripts to test various scenarios. The ACAA is seeking a diverse cast to ensure the new terminal is ready for everyone, from families with strollers to travelers needing accessibility accommodations.
The exercise aims to stress-test every aspect of the Pittsburgh International Airport Transformation, from wayfinding to baggage handling, and iron out any kinks before the grand opening (we’re looking at you, DEN).
“A strong trial program ensures that when the new PIT opens, our team is confident, prepared, and ready to deliver a world-class travel experience for passengers,” says Christina Cassotis, CEO of the ACAA.
Volunteers will provide critical feedback to refine processes, enhance accessibility, and ensure operational readiness. Ultimately, organizers hope this will help create a flawless grand opening experience and set the airport up for long-term success.
Oh, and a heads-up: participants will need a government-issued ID just like real travelers to comply with security regulations. While the gig is voluntary with no compensation, you do get free parking (gee, thanks!). Plus, the chance to be part of aviation history is priceless.
The Scope of the Pittsburgh International Airport Transformation
The Pittsburgh International Airport transformation is an enormous undertaking. The new airport for America’s 28th largest metro area is a $1.7 billion overhaul that’s 90% complete and set to redefine air travel in Western Pennsylvania. The ambitious Terminal Modernization Program consolidates check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into a single, state-of-the-art facility, slashing the time from curb to gate by half. The new 700,000-square-foot terminal, designed with post-pandemic travel in mind, features touchless technology, enhanced ventilation, and a 90,000-square-foot outdoor terrace so travelers can step outside for some fresh air and relaxation.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of PIT’s new features:
- Parking: A new 3,300-space garage and 2,700-space lot, triple-covered parking, with a space-finder system, eco-friendly snow-melt technology, and electric vehicle charging stations.
- Wayfinding: Intuitive signage, high-contrast displays, and reduced walking distances for more straightforward navigation.
- Check-In: Accessible ticketing counters and modernized displays streamline the check-in process, located on the same level as security. No more maze of escalators and getting off on the wrong level!
- Security: Twelve high-tech lanes with advanced screening equipment mean no more unpacking liquids or laptops, plus shorter wait times. Anyone who’s traveled through PIT knows the security nightmare there. The old facility, opened in 1992, was never meant to operate in a post-9/11 world.
- Connector Bridge: Inspired by Pittsburgh’s Fort Pitt Bridge, this tunnel replaces the old people mover system with dynamic lighting and quick access to concessions.
- Concessions: A mix of local gems like Primanti Bros and new additions like Shake Shack, all based on traveler feedback.
- Baggage Claim: Eight larger carousels and a streamlined system deliver luggage faster.
- Economic Impact: The project has created 14,300 jobs, generated $2.5 billion in economic activity, and used over 90% local labor and supplies, all without state or local tax dollars.
The design draws inspiration from Pittsburgh’s rolling hills and its location at the confluence of three rivers. With tree-like columns and a wood-like ceiling featuring 4,000 constellation lights, it blends nature, technology, and community into a uniquely Pittsburgh experience.
All in all, the new PIT promises to be an airport for the 21st century.
Behind the Scenes: The ORAT Team’s Mission
The public trial is the grand finale of months of preparation led by the ACAA’s Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) team, headed by industry veteran Daniel Bryan. Known for orchestrating trials at airports like Dubai International, Bryan’s team has been testing over 40 operations since May, from flushing toilets to ensuring jet bridges connect to widebody aircraft without issue.
“There’s no such thing as a bad trial—only lessons learned,” Bryan says, emphasizing the importance of identifying issues now instead of when the airport opens to the public.
These smaller “basic trials” have already yielded results. For instance, during a test of the newly renovated international gates (C1 and C2), workers identified issues with a jetway phone and ground power that were quickly resolved. Another trial helped an airline adjust its check-in setup after workers realized passenger information screens were visible to travelers. By simulating real-world scenarios, the ORAT team ensures that people, processes, and systems are ready for action.
The Goal: To “Deliver a World-Class Airport Experience”
The September public trial is where the Pittsburgh International Airport transformation comes alive. Volunteers will simulate the hustle and bustle of a real travel day, testing everything from parking and check-in to security and baggage claim. You might find yourself navigating the new accessible-height ticket counters, cruising through advanced TSA security lanes, or grabbing a coffee at Café Conmigo. Every step helps fine-tune airport operations. Accessibility is a top priority, and the ACAA is encouraging participation from people with diverse needs to help ensure the new terminal works for everyone.
Public feedback from the mock opening will be the script’s final edit, helping the ACAA polish the passenger journey. As Cassotis puts it, “It’s our opportunity to uncover challenges, validate our processes, and build confidence so that when we open, we are fully prepared to deliver a world-class airport experience.”
An Airport for Pittsburgh
If the September trial runs smoothly, the Pittsburgh International Airport transformation will officially wrap up, paving the way for the grand opening of the new terminal. While the date of the mock opening is yet to be determined, the project will take its final bow with a celebration gala on 3 October 2025.
For Pittsburgh, this transformation is so much more than just opening a sparkling new terminal. Yes, the new PIT does a fantastic job blending local flair with cutting-edge technology to create an airport that feels like home. From the Fort Pitt Bridge-inspired tunnel to the outdoor terraces mimicking Western Pennsylvania’s ecosystems, every detail screams Steel City pride.
But most importantly, it is no longer an airport that works for just one carrier…it works for all. When the current facility opened in 1992, USAir operated a massive hub at PIT. Thus, the airport was built with USAir in mind (and with USAir’s input and investment). However, 1992 is ten lifetimes ago in aviation, and PIT has long since felt like a shell of its former self. Nothing made sense about it.
Now, after more than three decades, it has finally been right-sized. And it’s an airport that will serve Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania well for many years to come. As ACAA Board Chairman David Minnotte once said, “The people of Pittsburgh finally get an airport built for them and not USAir.”
Are you interested in being a volunteer to help ensure the Pittsburgh International Airport transformation lands smoothly? If so, sign up here and become a part of aviation history!
