Memphis International Airport (MEM) is embarking on a $245 million plan to modernize and consolidate airline and retail operations in Concourse B. The multiphase, multi-year plan will add moving walkways, wider corridors, larger boarding areas, higher ceilings and natural lighting. It also includes a stage for live music, children’s play area, additional charging stations in gate areas, and more lounge areas.

The south ends of the A and C Concourses will be removed to allow for unobstructed access by aircraft to the entire B Concourse. Once the modernization of the B Concourse is completed, 23 gates will be available to airlines, which can accommodate about 50 percent more traffic than MEM currently has. Continued long-term growth at the airport could result in another modernization phase for the west leg of the B Concourse, which contains about 15 more gates that could increase capacity for nearly 5.5 million annual boardings.

Flintco, LLC is the primary contractor for the modernization construction and redesign project. The total of the contract is more about $122.5 million. An additional $32 million contract has been secured with Aero Bridgeworks for new jet bridges as part fop the improvements.  The modernization project is expected to be completed in early 2021.