American Airlines and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport have signed a new 10-year Use and Lease Agreement, which includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments.
On Tuesday (May 16, 2023), American Airlines announced the signing of a new 10-year Use and Lease Agreement with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The agreement includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments, including the construction of Terminal F, the renovation of Terminal C, construction of gate expansions at Terminal A and Terminal C, and other modernization projects. A special ceremony marking the agreement was held at DFW and was attended by Fort Worth Mayor, Mattie parker, Dallas Mayor, Eric. L. Johnson, American Airlines’ CEO, Robert Isom and DFW Airport’s CEO, Sean Donohue.
At Tuesday’s special event at DFW, American Airlines’ CEO, Robert Isom, said,
“American is proud to call North Texas home, and DFW is our largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network. American has led the growth that has propelled DFW to become the second busiest airport in the world and we are thrilled to finalize a new lease agreement and capital plan that sets the stage for American, DFW and the North Texas region to continue to grow for years to come. We value our longstanding relationship with DFW and are grateful to Mayor Parker, Mayor Johnson, the DFW Airport Board and Sean for their continued partnership.”
Fort Worth’s Mayor, Mattie Parker, added,
“We are very proud that Fort Worth-based American Airlines has signed this important agreement to cement DFW’s status as American’s main hub and help us continue to meet the incredible demand we are experiencing in North Texas. Our region will become the nation’s third largest metro region within the next 10 years, and it’s no surprise that we have the second busiest airport in the world. Today’s agreement ensures DFW Airport is ready for the future and to continue serving as Fort Worth’s gateway to the world.”
Also commenting on the long term use and lease agreement, Dallas’ Mayor, Eric L. Johnson, said,
“As a growing, international city, Dallas takes great pride in its partnerships with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines. DFW Airport connects our community to the world and fuels economic growth throughout our region and state. We all recognize that North Texas is the place to be. Signing the new Use and Lease Agreement is one step to ensure our region remains well-positioned to thrive in the future.”
Further commenting on the agreement, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport’s CEO, Sean Donohue, said,
“The Use and Lease Agreement not only creates a predictable and equitable business model for DFW Airport, but it also underscores the commitment of the airport and our airline partners to provide passengers with the best possible travel experience. Our partnership with American Airlines, our largest airline, is stronger than ever. With the support of Robert Isom and the American team, we are making investments that set the stage for the airport of the future — one that prioritizes innovation, customer experience and sustainability.”
The Use and Lease Agreement outlines major capital projects over the next 10 years, including an estimated $2.72 billion for the expansion of the Central Terminal Area, with a major refresh of Terminal C, gate expansions extending from Terminal A and C, and substantial upgrades to roadways and terminal access. The agreement also includes and estimated $1.63 billion for the construction of a new Terminal F, which will feature a 15-gate concourse. The terminal expansion will deliver 24 new gates to facilitate American’s long-term growth. Once construction is completed, American will add new gates in the terminal A and C piers to their operating portfolio.
A Snapshot of American Airlines' Operations at DFW - Courtesy American Airlines
American Airlines serves over 240 nonstop destinations from DFW, delivering approximately 85 percent of the airport’s passenger traffic. The new Use and Lease Agreement reinforces American’s commitment to North Texas, which is home to nearly 35,000 of the airline’s team members, both at the airport and on the 300-acre Robert L. Crandall Campus in Fort Worth. The campus is home to American’s headquarters and is designed to support global operations and team members. Recently, American opened their 600-room Skyview 6 Hospitality Complex, the campus’ newest facility that hosts visiting team members for training. The company’s total economic impact to Texas is over $42.7 billion annually, and the airline employs more than 36,000 team members statewide. Additionally, American’s operation in Texas contributes to a total employment impact of 365,000+ jobs in the state.
Source: American Airlines