Historic Pan Am Headquarters at MIA Opens as Miami's New Luxury Private Terminal
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
One of Miami's most recognizable aviation landmarks begins a new chapter today. The former Pan American Airways headquarters at Miami International Airport (MIA) officially opens as a luxury private terminal for commercial travelers, combining the restoration of the historic 1960s building with a premium airport experience that allows guests to bypass the traditional airport terminal.
The 34,000-square-foot facility marks the first Florida location for PS, whose private terminals serve commercial airline passengers. Miami becomes the company's fourth U.S. location, following the recent opening of Dallas Fort Worth. Housed inside the landmark Pan Am building, the project preserves a Miami-Dade County Historic Site while introducing a new approach to airport travel centered on privacy, efficiency, and personalized service.
The company said Miami was a natural next step because of the city's position as the nation's second-busiest airport for international travelers and its role as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. The setting also gives PS a landmark address, with the restored Pan Am building opening onto a central courtyard and reflecting pools that pay tribute to the property's aviation heritage.
Inside, the terminal offers two distinct guest experiences. The Salon is an elevated lounge designed for solo and business travelers, while The Private Suites provide fully private, residential-style accommodations for guests seeking greater privacy and comfort before departure. Spa treatments are also available upon request.
The experience is designed to minimize time spent inside the public airport. Guests move through dedicated private facilities with streamlined TSA screening before being chauffeured across the airfield in BMW vehicles to their aircraft. Chef-prepared dining and coordination between PS, airlines, and government agencies are also included. Later this year, the company plans to introduce PS Direct, providing integrated door-to-door transportation between travelers' homes or hotels and their flights.
The Private Suites continue the residential approach with spacious living areas, curated interiors, and personalized hospitality designed to create a quiet retreat before departure.
The restoration was led by RJ Heisenbottle Architects in collaboration with interior designer Cliff Fong. The project preserves the building's defining mid-century architecture while restoring original Pan Am features, including the airline insignias, gold paneling, and reflecting pools. New materials such as terrazzo, marble, smoked glass, and bold patterns draw inspiration from Miami while complementing the building's historic character.
The design embraces the building's heritage while drawing inspiration from Miami's regional character. Original architectural elements are paired with a broad range of colors, textures, and individually designed Private Suites intended to create a memorable travel experience.
The terminal also showcases work by local artists. Working with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs' Art in Public Places program, PS commissioned Miami-based Argentine artist Nina Surel to create integrated reflecting pools and ceramic installations inspired by South Florida's natural landscape and layered cultural influences. The broader collection, curated by Creative Art Partners, includes works by Shaina McCoy, Neill Wright, Jaakko Pallasvuo, Holly Lowen, and other contemporary artists.
A key part of the experience is the dedicated security process. Travelers complete TSA screening in a private facility before being escorted directly to their aircraft. The terminal also includes private Customs and Border Protection facilities that support the streamlined travel experience.
PS now operates private terminals at Los Angeles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Miami International Airport. For more information about memberships and reservations, visit reservePS.com.