First photos of the brand new Penticton Airport Arrivals Area

The brand new Arrivals Area of Penticton Airport officially opens this morning, and PentictonNow got in there before the crowds for some exclusive photos.

Our tour guide was Amanda Hazelton, Transport Canada Resource Manager for the Penticton Airport, and she was beaming as she walked us into the new waiting area.

And for good reason. It's bright and ultra-modern, with a couple dozen comfy seats and strategically placed power bars for mobile device charging. And best of all, it's surrounded by massive banks of windows that offer wide, unobstructed views out to the tarmac.

"People can see all the passengers coming in off the planes now," said Hazelton. "That's one of my favourite parts - getting to see the emotions on people's faces."

Adjacent to the new waiting area is the equally new baggage carousel, which protrudes deep into the building to give passengers plenty of space on both sides to access their luggage. Memories of the old baggage area and its comparatively cramped access should fade quickly into the past.

But the new Arrival Area is all about the architecture too. It's sleek and contemporary, with a great mix of chrome and natural wood and plenty of eye candy.

Even the new washrooms and water fountains are stylish.

But it's not yet complete. Video screens still need to be installed, overhead lighting still needs to be fitted, illuminated art displays have yet to be filled, and more.

So as impressive as it is already, it'll be that much more so in the next few weeks and months.

But getting the new building open was the priority. "Phase One was more about getting all the demo done," said Hazelton. "We have five or six phases. This is Phase Two. This is to get the people moving, instead of through the temporary doors."

As for a completion date for the entire project, Hazelton said, "We're hoping we can get all of it done by next year, but it does take time."