Philly airport expansion advances with $5.5M land acquisition plan

City Council's Committee of Public Property and Public Works has approved the purchase of a 15-acre property in Lester, Tinicum Township.

Tom MacDonald

November 28, 2018

In this image taken from video, US Airways flight 1939, the final US Airways flight, departs Philadelphia International Airport en route to Charlotte, N.C. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. (AP Photo)

The expansion of Philadelphia International Airport has moved a step closer to reality.

City Council’s Committee of Public Property and Public Works has approved the purchase of a 15-acre property in Lester, Tinicum Township, that’s adjacent to the airport.

James Tyrell, chief revenue officer for the airport, said the 24,170-square-foot property — including a 134-car parking lot and a large gravel-covered yard — is needed to support continued expansion. Specifically, the property would be used to expand cargo handling.

The city is not spending any of its budget on the acquisition.

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“The purchase price of $5.5 million was determined by two independent appraisals, and negotiations with the seller,” Tyrell said. “It will be funded through the aviation fund and will not impact the general fund.”

The proposed deal now moves to the full Council for review.

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