Boston Logan Terminal E Transformation: A Century of Innovation Takes Flight
The opening of the newly-expanded terminal coincides with the airport's 100-year anniversary
Photo: Courtesy of Massport
As it marks a century of flights, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has officially opened its freshly renovated Terminal E, with four new gates and energy-efficient operations.
The international terminal at BOS has been expanded, providing an additional 390,000 square feet of space for stores, lounges, and gates.
The upgrades can be seen when travelers arrive for their flights, with an expanded ticketing area and a modernized TSA security checkpoint. TSA officers use seven Analogic Computed Tomography (CT) lanes to produce 3D images of luggage, which can be rotated 360 degrees. This advanced technology allows travelers to keep their laptops and other electronic devices in their bags during the screening process.
Photo: Courtesy of Massport
Once through the security checkpoint, travelers enter a concourse bathed in natural light, with 100,000 square feet of stores, restaurants, and waiting areas, with diversified seating options. New airport lounges are also open, including a lavish Delta Sky Club.
The concourse has several newly added dining options, such as Sal’s Pizza, Boston Harbor Distillery, Legal Sea Foods, grab-and-go meals from Boston Market and Hudson, and a food court.
For parents with babies, there is a private and comfortable mother’s room available. Additionally, a sensory room serves as a refuge for customers overwhelmed by the crowded concourse. The sensory room features a replica airplane cabin that helps customers acclimate before takeoff. This unique feature is one of the few in the country and demonstrates the Massachusetts Port Authority’s (Massport) commitment to inclusivity.
Photo: Courtesy of Massport
The terminal’s outbound baggage handling system and baggage claim have been enhanced and expanded to cope with additional traffic through the four new gates. The arrivals level curb has been overhauled, connecting travelers with onward transportation more efficiently.
“By creating a modern, customer-centric, and sustainable Logan Airport, we will be a stronger economic engine for the City and the Commonwealth,” said Lisa Wieland, CEO of Massport. “Massachusetts is home to numerous travel-intensive industries that help power our economy, and a modern international terminal will enhance connectivity across the globe, improve operations at the airport, and create a more efficient travel experience for passengers.”
Photo: Courtesy of Massport
International flights generate billions of dollars of revenue for Boston and the wider state, including the $4 billion spent by foreign visitors in Massachusetts in 2019 and the $250 they paid in state and local taxes.
The new terminal, under construction since 2019, is also environmentally conscious, with energy efficiency at least 20% better than required under the MA Energy Code and a design worthy of LEED Gold certification. Eco-friendly features include photovoltaic window glazing, glare-controlling glass, an energy-efficient displacement ventilation system, and an upgraded HVAC system.
Massport said the new terminal has lower energy consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved water conservation, better air quality, and additional waste management and recycling.
Photo: Courtesy of Massport
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said: “Logan International Airport is a critical economic engine for our state. These fantastic new upgrades at Terminal E are going to supercharge that engine and help to elevate our image on the world stage.”
The airport is celebrating its 100 anniversary this fall and looking back in a centennial exhibit located in the public area of Terminal E. The exhibition traces the airport’s development from its opening for military use in September 1923 through the launch of its commercial service in 1927 as six passengers flew on a Colonial Air Transport flight to New York and the introduction of European routes in 1946. Other milestones commemorated include the visit of Amelia Earhart in 1933 and the opening of the original Terminal E for international travelers in 1974.
Today, Logan Airport connects travelers to 53 international destinations in more than 30 countries.
