Yellowknife (Mar 08/06) - Revolving doors and wood panelling are only a small part of renovations at the Yellowknife Airport.

"We want to make each visit to our airport as quick and comfortable as possible," said airport manager Michel Lafrance.

Planning manager Delia Chesworth (left) looks over some building plans with airport manager Michel Lafrance on Friday afternoon. The renovations at the airport are nearly complete, with work expected to be completed by the end of May. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Lafrance spent some time last Friday afternoon walking through the newly-renovated terminal with his planning manager Delia Chesworth.

There are currently two types of flights using the airport.

Screened flights like Canadian North and First Air use the main terminal, resources like the baggage claim and departure gates.

The second type of flight is called a non-screened flight - smaller planes that have flights to outlying Northern communities.

Lafrance said a big addition to the airport is another departure gate and baggage claim.

"Now the people on a non-screened flight do not have to get their bags mixed in with southern flights," said Lafrance.

Separating the flights will increase the efficiency of traffic in the terminal and on the tarmac, said Lafrance.

Planes are also being separated when they arrive. The larger jetplanes land on one side and smaller engine planes and helicopters are on the other, said Lafrance.

The new public area, named Gate Three, also has a new walkway connecting it to the main terminal.

The vehicle rental agencies housed in the terminal will also see improvements, with bigger space being provided for their outlet booths.

The gift shop and restaurant will also see changes.

"The restaurant will expand to the arrivals area and be open for viewing," said Chesworth.

Reducing energy consumption was a big priority for the renovations, she said.

Loading bays have new doors with wind curtains, which cut down on air lost when workers are loading trucks in the back of the terminal. The automatic sliding doors at public entrances have been replaced with revolving doors, which allow less cold air into the building. "The sliding doors would be open for too long," said Lafrance.

Wood panelling now decorates the check-out counters and new technology can be seen as well.

Digital monitors are placed above every counter with information about flight arrivals and departures.

"The monitors are multi-purpose. They could also be used to advertise special events," said Chesworth.

The most congestion occurs in the pre-boarding area, which is another area that will be expanded, said Chesworth.

"The ticket counters were moved over to allow for a seating increase," she said.

The added space will provide an 80 per cent increase in seating and will allow for a coffee stand and washrooms for passengers who have passed through security.

The renovations are expected be complete by the end of May.