United Airlines and the Houston Airport System have announced a landmark investment of over $2.0 billion in the Terminal B Transformation Program at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
On Wednesday (November 15, 2023), United Airlines announced that in partnership with the Houston Airport System they will make a landmark $2.0 billion investment in the Terminal B Transformation Program at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The project aims to reimagine the air travel experience, while catering to the future needs of an estimated 36 million passengers. The program includes the construction of 40 new domestic and international gates, as well as new convenience and amenities throughout the airport experience. Additionally, the project will include a curbside and roadway capacity expansion, along with an expanded ticketing lobby, and new dynamic signage throughout. The third floor is also expected to house streamlined security processing.
In Wednesday’s announcement, United’s IAH Vice President, Phil Griffith, said,
“This investment further supports United’s position as Houston's carrier of choice. On behalf of our more than 14,000 employees who call Houston home, I can't wait to continue to do all we can to serve our customers flying to, from and through our hub on more than 400 flights each day.”
Also commenting on the Terminal B Transformation Program, Houston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner, said,
“The expansion of Terminal B underscores the shared commitment between United Airlines and the City of Houston to enhance Bush Airport and Houston's economy. This redevelopment program will bring nearly 3,000 new jobs to Houston. The bigger and more modern domestic terminal will amplify Houston’s reputation as a premier destination and cultivate even more opportunities for future economic development. As a global city and a sought-after destination, larger and more efficient aircraft flying to Houston will improve the passenger experience and support our promise to advance sustainable practices."
Once travelers pass security, the New Terminal B North expansion will be comprised of two new passenger concourses, replacing the antiquated 1969-era Flight stations. Spanning approximately 765,000 square-feet, the three-level Terminal B North Concourse, while the largest United ClubSM systemwide on the mezzanine level will offer unobstructed views of the airfield. The Terminal B South Concourse project includes the conversion of 30 gates that currently house smaller, 50-seat regional jets to accommodate larger two-class regional jets, with all flights to be boarded via jet bridge.
The concourse design will feature amenities such as a ‘sensory room’, a multimedia United branded ‘park’, and comfort zones for passengers with disabilities. This space will provide a quiet space for those wishing to relax between TSA processing and boarding. Additionally, the project will include two major concession hubs with 115,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art food and retail space. The baggage claim hall will also be expanded and will include a new baggage handling system equipped with advanced baggage tracking technology.
At United Airlines, ‘Good Leads the Way.’ The airline operates the most comprehensive network among North American carriers with U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. As measured by available seat miles (ASMs), United is now the world’s largest airline. Shares in the company’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., are publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol ‘UAL.’
Source: United Airlines/PRNewswire