Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 37

washington business Share Your Business with Top Decision Makers in Washington State. Paine Field Terminal was honored by the National Council for Public- Private-Partnerships earlier this year. The travel publication Monocle Magazine has named the new terminal the world’s best regional airport. The airfield opened in 1939 and ran just a few years before the Army Air Corps needed it for military use. It briefly saw commercial service again in the late 1940s before being turned into an Air Force base during the Korean War. In the 1960s, it became the home for Boeing’s Everett assembly plant for the 747 program and remains home to Boeing’s widebody assembly facility, which is the largest building in the world. Bellevue, it’s more logical to fly out of Paine Field versus Sea-Tac International Airport, depending on your destination, Smith said. Sea-Tac handled 50 million passengers in 2018, and more than 432,000 metric tons of cargo. The airport was never designed to handle that many people, Smith said, and he’s impressed with the Port of Seattle’s ability to manage it. “I give them a lot of credit,” he said. After an interview, Smith got some credit from a happy passenger during a tour of the terminal. “Thank you for doing this,” one passenger said, beaming. He was on his way to the baggage claim, an area best described as peaceful and orderly. top-flight amenities Travelers at the Paine Field Passenger Terminal appear happy and relaxed. They’re watching the clouds from leather easy chairs in the departure area, or having a snack at the bar. Some of them stay warm by the fireplaces, or read a book at little tables brightened with fresh flowers, every day. An acoustic Black Walnut ceiling from Switzerland helps minimize noise. And nine polished Walnut tables made from a single slab provide unique anchors to the lounge area. This mood flows from the gate into the plane as well. The passenger boarding bridge has floor to ceiling windows on both sides, featuring great views of the Olympic Mountains and the nearby Boeing Co. Smith has invested extraordinary attention to detail in this venture. In the terminal, he chatted with De Luca, the concierge, and traveling families. He adjusted the signs in the ticket areas, connected with his staff, and dealt with a surprise visit from a potential vendor. At one point, he smiled and pulled out his phone. He adjusted the volume of the music playing in the terminal from an app. Just a bit. “It’s all about bringing civility back to the airport experience,” Smith said. Washington Business magazine is distributed to more than 8,000 subscribers ranging from CEOs and managers to owners of small, medium and large businesses statewide. Our readers—including top executives, industry leaders and state and national lawmakers—are your customers. Advertise with additional information Target your message and get results with Washington Business magazine. To inquire about our rates: Call Celeste at 360.705.3058 E-mail: [email protected] Download a rate card: www.awb.org/WaBusinessAds summer 2019 37