The distinctive red hue of the new Boston terminal

Creating a world class passenger experience at Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E, Massport has completed a major upgrade that adds 390,000 square feet of new and renovated terminal space (Phase 1). The project includes four new wide-body gates with a flexible layout that accommodates six narrow-body gates; significant renovations to the existing terminal; enhanced ticketing and international arrivals; a new passenger security checkpoint; new airline clubs; inbound and outbound baggage systems; international and domestic departures and arrivals; a FIS/CBP/ immigration hall; high-end concession space; and a multi-story central space called the ‘great hall. Phase 1 of the project was completed in August of 2023. A second phase of the terminal that will add three additional gates is planned for future. 

A central design feature is the terminal’s iconic red roof. The prismatic red paint, dubbed Boston Red, subtly changes color depending on the light and was created specifically and exclusively for the project — marking the first time prismatic paint has been used on an airport façade. The roof’s form, gently sloping over the building’s south side façade, reveals panoramic views of the downtown Boston skyline. The terminal’s north and west offer unfettered views to the airside and East Boston waterfront. The interior great hall creates an elegant, memorable place for passengers to relax, work or shop on their journey. 

To promote an inclusive passenger experience, specialized amenities include comfortable seating with power for charging devices, work bars, high-quality concession offerings, mother’s rooms, companion care rooms and pet relief areas. A key first for Boston and the region, Massport and AECOM collaborated with the New England Center for Children to create an all-ages sensory room to address the needs of passengers who require a visual and auditory separation from a busy terminal. The space includes an airplane simulation room that provides a full-scale replica of the interior of an airplane, using video, auditory and tactile replications of the plane environment to assist passengers with transitioning to a new and perhaps unfamiliar environment.

Central to the core values of the entire team, Terminal E reflects a commitment to sustainability and resiliency by charting a path to net zero and incorporating design features that are on track for LEED Gold certification. Working with the support of our sustainability partners at Thornton Tomasetti and Arora Engineers, the AECOM design team used extensive modelling to evaluate the terminal for better management of carbon emissions and energy use. Modelling also helped the design team determine the building’s shape to manage solar gain, harvest daylight throughout the year and generate power with building integrated photovoltaics. Additionally, the combination of a highly efficient envelope with a holistic heating and cooling strategy will reduce energy consumption and the operational energy footprint. Building materials stressed recycled, low carbon and carbon negative materials to reduce embodied carbon, or the carbon emissions associated with constructing the terminal and with its continued operation. Energy, water and electrical use was analyzed during the design phase to create smart systems that additionally reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Resiliency was at the forefront of the airport’s design, considering the current context while also looking to the future of climate change. 

All critical infrastructure was lifted out of the flood plain to allow for a rapid return to service in a flood event and to protect capital-intensive utility investments. Similarly, the roof was designed above typical standards for snow, ice and rainwater. Working with our partners at RWDI, the roof and building envelope are calibrated to respond to the myriad of weather conditions that New England brings, including high winds and capacity for a 500-year storm, whether it is in the winter or the summer. Incorporating social value principles, the building supported initiatives that have tangible results for the surrounding community. The building was designed to serve as a sound barrier, shielding the noise of planes and airport operations from nearby neighborhoods. Airplanes at the gates are powered from the building, allowing the engines to shut down to eliminate idling emissions and sound. Electrification stations are provided for apron equipment in support of a fully electric terminal. Finally, the site was upgraded from a pre-existing apron and gas station area with new landscaping and a publicly accessible pocket park, with local planting, water-saving landscaping and site furniture.