Kansai International Airport Announces Future Vision

Kansai Airports has announced plans to re-imagine the facility ahead of future growth and major events; improving the passenger experience for millions of locals and visitors to Osaka and the wider Kansai region.

Populous is working with Kansai Airports to ensure the project meets these objectives, by re-designing the terminal to:

• increase international capacity by 25%
• increase the international departure lounge and retail offerings by 60%
• introduce world-first retail layouts based on passenger experiences and moods
• create a seamless passenger processing experience,  and to
• provide an inspirational arrival experience to start each journey.

The phased renovation will allow the terminal to stay fully operational and will be completed by 2025.

Speaking at the media launch Benoit Rulleau, Co-CEO of Kansai Airports described Populous as “the brains behind the design and layout.”

Populous’ leader of the aviation team in Asia Pacific, Brett Wightman, commented on the importance of the project after the launch.

“Populous are very proud to be working to bring to life the vision for Kansai International Airports, re-imaging the customer experience and reshaping the passenger journey.

“Kansai International Airport is an important gateway to Osaka.  With our deep expertise in designing places that create memorable experiences, Populous is excited to work with Kansai Airport to deliver a unique experience for every passenger as well as increase the operational efficiency to meet future growth demands,” Brett Wightman said.

The contemporary airport experience has emerged as one of the single most important opportunities a city has to shape visitors’ impressions. Airports the world over are now the new 21st century rail stations that truly connect the passengers to the city.

With a long history of designing places that create memorable experiences and draw people together, Populous is redefining the entire airport passenger experience.

By working collaboratively with the facility operators, end users and key stakeholders, Populous deliver innovative airport design solutions that are experiential and authentic with a distinct spirit of place. Importantly the design is built upon operational functionality, inter-modality, passenger convenience, accessibility and sustainability.

Populous are leading the architecture and interior design for the redevelopment of Kansai International Airport, as well overseeing the project throughout construction.

For more information:

Kansai Airport Media Presentation

Launch video