Minnesotans often think of Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport as one of the best airports in the nation. How much such a facility remains current and desirable by travelers depends in part upon how much its major tenants, airlines, invest in them.
The airport’s largest tenant, Delta Airlines, has invested in improving its terminals over the years. In 2011, for example, it redefined its Concourse G terminal amenities by adding 12 new chef-driven restaurants, fresh markets and concierge services for frequent fliers on the go. “The atmosphere at MSP will be distinct from any other airport, inspired by local flavors and Minnesota’s vibrant culture,” it said at the time. Delta has made other investments as well, including improving its Delta lounges and updating de-icing equipment.
But it’s unclear how much Delta has invested/is investing here in relation to the $12 billion it is investing to upgrade its terminals nationwide.
For example, it’s investing $3.6 billion in its rebuild of Salt Lake City International Airport. In New York, Delta is chipping in $3.9 billion (up from $3.5 billion originally planned) toward an $8 billion rebuilding of LaGuardia Airport. The airline invested about $27 million at Seattle-Tacoma International airport in recent years. And in Los Angeles, Delta is in the midst of spending $1.86 billion to modernize, upgrade and connect Terminals 2, 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B)