38 TERMINALS September 2026 AirportImprovement.com SEA something airports rarely inspire. Instead of moving passengers as quickly as possible from the security checkpoints to the gates, the C Concourse Expansion invites exploration. “The new space allows and supports that sense of curiosity,” Whealan explains. “There are so many destinations within this destination for people to find their comfort zone. If they want a quiet nook, they can find it. If they want to be right in the heat of the mix, they can do that.” In fact, one of the design team’s guiding principles throughout the project was “bringing in, seeing out.” That meant bringing in specific local elements such as the vibrancy of the Seattle Public Market, the Port’s sustainability goals and natural daylight, while seeing out referred to highlighting local views, especially from the Lookout at C. “From there, you can see the drama of the airfield with 20 aircraft tails all backing up, pulling out, moving around,” Whealan notes. “And then the views out to the Olympics are fantastic.” A Taste and Feel of Seattle The Marketplace at C was designed to continue that interaction and help create an airport experience that reflects the region’s businesses, artists and community. The new concessions development is spread across two levels, with 10 dining and retail options that range from national brands to regional favorites and locally inspired concepts. The lineup also includes six rotating kiosks operated through the Port’s recent incubator program for small local businesses. Throughout the day, there are live performances at the base of the Tree, primarily by Pacific Northwest musicians and bands. Khalia Moore, assistant director of airport dining and retail at SEA, notes that these elements work together to make what could have been just another airport food court into a space that uniquely reflects Seattle’s character. To accomplish that, she adds, the concessions program was a primary focal point of the expansion since Day One of planning. Because of the building’s new vertical nature, the commercial strategy had to encourage passengers to explore every level. “When we programmed our upper level, it was very important for us to ensure that people had a desire and a need to go upstairs,” Moore says. National brands help attract visitors, while local favorites such as Great State Burger provide familiar flavor. The lower level introduces passengers to regional businesses like Olympia Coffee Company, Seattle Macaron Co., Nanny’s B R U K E R . C O M BRUKER DETECTION CORPORATION Mirela Popa, Vice President of Commercial Sales – North America | 980.392.9492 | mirela.popa@brukerdetection.us BRUKER ROADRUNNER DE-tector flex The Bruker DE-tector flex is a trace detection system that works by swabbing an individual’s property with a non-scratch, disposable swab and inserting it into DE-tector flex to identify traces of explosives or narcotics within seconds. It employs industry-standard IMS (Ion Mobility Spectrometry) technology, but unlike most other instruments, it uses a non-radioactive source. Together with a low consumables burden, our new HEPI source reduces your through life costs by minimizing your compliance requirements. An innovative, hand-held explosives and narcotics trace detector - swab and direct vapour sampling - battery operated and lightweight. Fast, reliable explosives trace detection for air cargo and passenger screening operations. KHALIA MOORE
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