On August 25, members of the CEOs for Sustainability executive network had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal.
Conversation with CEO Christina Cassotis
The afternoon began with a presentation by Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority. She oversees developments at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC). The discussion portion of our time with Cassotis emphasized the project’s once-in-a-generation investment in the region’s future guided by innovation, resilience and sustainability. She noted the new terminal is expected to generate an estimated $2.5 billion in economic impact and support more than 14,000 jobs. Her message was clear: when the airport is strong, the region is strong.
Resiliency was also a central theme. PIT operates on its own microgrid, combining natural gas turbines with solar energy to provide reliable, independent power. This system allows the airport to remain fully operational even if the regional grid goes down, ensuring continuity of service for travelers and the community. Cassotis described it as both a safeguard against disruption and a model of how critical infrastructure can support regional well-being.
Looking to the future, she also highlighted the airport’s role as a sustainable aviation hub. PIT will soon be home to the nation’s first on-site sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant, projected to produce 120 million gallons annually by 2029. In addition, the microgrid has been designed with the capacity to integrate green hydrogen when it becomes commercially available. These steps position Pittsburgh not only as an innovator in airport design but also as a leader in the transition to cleaner aviation.
Terminal Tour
After the presentation, attendees toured the nearly completed terminal. The design reflects the Pittsburgh region’s character while incorporating forward-thinking features. The sweeping roofline was inspired by Western Pennsylvania’s hills, while clerestory windows bring in abundant daylight, creating a bright and efficient interior. Local artists and cultural organizations are contributing to the space, making the terminal a showcase of regional identity as well as a gateway for travelers.
Attendees also saw how the project is strengthening the local economy. More than 90 percent of labor and materials have been sourced locally, tying the project’s success directly to community businesses and workers. Features like rainwater capture and low-emitting materials complement the broader sustainability strategies Cassotis described, grounding ambitious goals in practical, day-to-day operations.
The visit made clear that the new terminal is more than an airport upgrade. It is a reflection of Pittsburgh’s ingenuity, and a powerful reminder that infrastructure can serve both people and place.
Closing Reflection
Sustainable Pittsburgh was proud to share this unique experience with the CEOs for Sustainability network. The tour highlighted how forward-looking leadership, rooted in regional identity, can shape projects of transformative scale. As the terminal nears completion, it stands as a living model of how sustainability and innovation–working hand in hand–can generate long-term prosperity, fueling both business success and community vitality.
