On Tuesday, November 18, the Long Beach City Council was presented with the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation by the League of California Cities for the new concourse at Long Beach Airport, which provides a unique and innovative space for travelers and serves as an ideal gateway to the City.
“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the City, the community, and airport tenants, Long Beach Airport is known internationally as an outstanding airport,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. “With the receipt of the Helen Putnam award, our Airport is now an even greater source of pride for our City.”
The League of California Cities noted LGB’s ease of use while still being able to accommodate nearly 3 million passengers a year. The modernized concourse blends the airport’s rich history with a contemporary sensibility, helping it maintain the reputation as our beloved hometown airport.
Councilwoman Stacy Mungo accepted the award on behalf of the City in September at the League of California Cities Annual Conference. “I am proud of Long Beach and our airport team for earning this prestigious award. The modernization of Long Beach Airport is an example of what local government can accomplish when the community and City work together,” Councilwoman Mungo said in a statement. “I hope every resident will consider Long Beach for their travel and share their experience and impressions of our fresh, functional terminal with their friends and neighbors.”
A consolidated security screening area, spacious boarding lounges and an expanded food and beverage program featuring favorite local restaurants sustains the LGB’s convenience factor and ups the ante for updated facilities. The concourse features a luxurious atmosphere that allows travelers to relax in the natural light of an open atrium or enjoy the spacious seating areas flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an incredible view of the airfield.
“The new concourse provides a roomier, more secured area for TSA inspectors to perform pre-boarding inspections while continuing to offer ease of use by the traveling public,” said Reginald Harrison, Acting Airport Director, in a statement.
Modern conveniences include an iPad tablet bar where travelers can check email or order food to be delivered to their seat, USB plug-ins and electrical outlets placed conveniently among the seating areas, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Established in 1982 by the League of California Cities, the California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program recognizes outstanding achievements by California’s 482 cities. These winning cities have made unique contributions to community residents and businesses, contributions which have resulted in lower costs or more effective delivery of services.