United Airlines and the Houston Airport System (HAS) announced this week a historic investment in the airline’s hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, United States, with the United Terminal B Transformation Program.
According to the airline, this ambitious project aims to redefine the air travel experience and meet the future needs of about 36 million passengers. The program includes the construction of 40 new gates for domestic and international flights, ensuring a cutting-edge experience for travelers.
Travelers will find new conveniences and amenities throughout their airport experience. The transformation of Terminal B includes expanding the capacity of sidewalks and roads, along with expanding the ticket issuance lobby, offering convenience to passengers through dynamic signage, intuitive guidance systems, and a ground-level check-in area. The third floor will house a streamlined security processing area.
After passing through security, two new passenger lounges in the expansion of the New Terminal B North will replace the flight stations from the 1969 era. The North Lounge of Terminal B, covering approximately 765,000 square feet (71,000 square meters) on three levels, will house 22 boarding and disembarking gates for narrow-body aircraft.
Additionally, a large United ClubSM in the mezzanine will offer unobstructed views of the airfield, becoming the largest club in the United system.
The South Lounge project of Terminal B involves converting 30 gates that currently house smaller regional jets with 50 seats to accommodate larger two-class regional jets. Unlike the current terminal, all flights will be boarded through jet bridges.
The lounge project caters to a multitude of travelers and is expected to feature amenities such as a sensory room, an interactive United-branded multimedia «park,» and comfort zones for passengers with disabilities, providing a quiet space for those who need to calm down between security screening and boarding processing.
The project will also include two large commercial concession centers, offering 115,000 square feet (10,700 square meters) of state-of-the-art food and retail space, including unique restaurant and shopping experiences.
The baggage claim area will be expanded and a new baggage handling system equipped with advanced baggage tracking technology will support increased capacity.
United Airlines plans to invest over $1.9 billion in the Terminal B Transformation Program, and the city of Houston expects to finance $624 million to enable necessary projects for the program.
On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the Houston City Council approved and authorized a Memorandum of Agreement between the city of Houston and United Airlines. The city of Houston intends to submit, for City Council approval, fund appropriation requests in various installments throughout the project.
According to United, the project costs assumed by the city of Houston are fully recoverable over time and after the project’s completion through fees and charges payable by airlines and other IAH operators with which the city has agreements.
The financing provided by the Houston Airport System’s enterprise fund is consistent with federal law as an appropriate use of airport revenues.
Construction and Design
The IAH Terminal B Transformation Program, led by the experienced program management team of AvAirPros and STV, comprises three essential components:
– The Terminal B boarding and disembarking lounge was designed by Page, a full-service design, architecture, and engineering firm based in Houston, and by Grimshaw Architects, an architecture firm based in London, and will be built by Clark Construction;
– The Terminal B lounges were designed by PGAL, an international design firm based in Houston, specializing in architecture, interiors, and engineering, and will be built by Manhattan Construction, a company based in Houston;
– The Baggage Handling System will be designed by Siemens, employing their expertise in designing and constructing these highly technical systems.
Sustainability
Sustainability will be a pillar of the Terminal B Transformation project, with the goal of achieving LEED Silver certification for the new buildings.
LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievements and represents a commitment to environmental responsibility in building design and construction.
The redevelopment project will combine technology, passenger-centered design, and sustainable practices to create a world-class airport experience, concludes United.
