With the recent release of designs for the proposed airport redevelopment project, Bermudians can see that the new, modern facility will offer an enhanced travel experience for all airport users.

The larger, modern building is designed with sustainability in mind: minimising environmental impact and maximising efficiencies.

The state-of-the-art design offers a comfortable and convenient experience for passengers of all ages and levels of mobility, enhanced dining and shopping opportunities, and high-tech features to streamline the travel process.

The project will bring the facility up to international industry standards and will meet the expectations of today’s travellers, offering significant improvements in many areas when compared with the existing, deteriorating building.

And the proposed new airport will not just replace an ageing, outdated building, which is well past the end of its useful life, but the modular design allows for it to accommodate future needs and expansion. The new airport will grow and adapt with Bermuda’s needs.

Take a look at the numbers on the attached PDF link — under related media — and see how the new airport compares with the existing facility.

Yes, those numbers are correct. Since some areas in the existing Passenger Terminal Building are difficult to quantify and to allocate to specific functions because of the inefficient layout, some assumptions have been made in terms of space functionality. With a more efficient and effective design, the new terminal will take advantage of all the additional room to meet all functional requirements.

In addition to space, efficiencies are found in many other aspects of the new facility. The new terminal will use modern materials and technology that will help to save energy, to reduce maintenance costs and to stand the test of time. And it can adapt and respond to future demands.

Automated kiosks will help staff on hand to improve efficiency in moving passengers through the terminal. Expanded commercial space for food and retail business will enhance the passenger experience while they are waiting for their flight. The departure hall will be more compact and efficient owing to adoption of common-use counters.

Accessibility for disabled and elderly travellers is challenging in the present facility: the design for the terminal will be completely accessible, including the introduction of enclosed passenger boarding bridges that will improve comfort for all passengers now and for future accessibility demands.

The existing structure has been prone to flooding and other natural disaster. In 2014, the terminal building suffered flooding and other damages from Hurricane Fay. The location of the new airport will be farther from the shoreline, mitigating potential storm surge. The structure will be built to withstand the worst weather.

The comparisons tell the tale — the proposed airport redevelopment will serve Bermuda well in many ways. And, above all, it will be an appealing first look and last glance at the culture, flora, fauna, history and stunning beauty of Bermuda. The investment will pay off for all Bermudians in many ways, and for many years.

• Bob Richards is the Deputy Premier of Bermuda, Minister of Finance and the MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11)

• Click on the PDF link under related media to see how the new airport compares with the existing facility

The redevelopment of L.F. Wade International Airport is being advanced under a development agreement between the Governments of Canada and Bermuda. The Canadian Commercial Corporation is a Crown corporation for the Government of Canada and brings expertise in international contracting for complex purchases and the experience to select highly capable suppliers, such as Aecon. Aecon Group Inc is a Canadian leader in construction and infrastructure development, providing integrated turnkey services to private and public sector clients through its concessions division, which can be found at www.aecon.com