San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has opened and begun flight operations in an initial nine-gate section of the new Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
Southwest Airlines and JetBlue have started flying from the new terminal, which features artwork by local Bay Area artists and a museum exhibit about the life of famed San Francisco LGBT activist and politician Harvey Milk.
“Harvey Milk Terminal 1 sets a new benchmark for the airport experience, and serves as a tribute to the life and legacy of a pioneering civil rights leader,” said Airport Director, Ivar C. Satero.
“For millions of people around the world, SFO is the first impression of the San Francisco Bay Area, and Harvey Milk Terminal 1 showcases what makes our region great: A spirit of innovation, a focus on the environment and most importantly, a commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
“I hope travellers around the world are inspired by the story of Harvey Milk in the terminal at SFO that bears his name.”
The new terminal is also notable for being the firs in the United States to install a tote-based Independent Carrier System (ICS) to handle checked baggage.
The new system is more energy-efficient and is simpler to operate and maintain than previous baggage handling facilities at the airport.
