Summary
- United Airlines and Houston Airport System are investing in a massive upgrade of George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal B, adding 40 gates to cater to the needs of 36 million passengers.
- The transformation includes expanding the ticketing lobby, improving the security checkpoint, and adding a new United Club.
- Local companies are heavily involved, benefiting the Houston economy and generating employment.
United Airlines and Houston Airport System have announced a massive investment at George Bush Intercontinental Airport to upgrade Terminal B. The planned investment had previously been made public and earlier this week the city council had put the plans on hold.
Upgrading terminal B
George Bush Intercontinental is an essential airport for United’s operations. A hub with flights to South America, Europe, and Asia, more than 400 United flights are operated from the Texas airport every day. The expansion program is set to add 40 gates for domestic and international travel and will redefine the experience for an estimated 36 million passengers.
Terminal B, where United operates a significant amount of regional flights, has facilities that date back to 1969 and are in need of upgrades. Though the transformation is a joint partnership, a significant financial portion will come from United Airlines, more than $1.9 billion, compared to $624 million from the City of Houston.
“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.”
The terminal transformation is not just inside the building, but will start with roads and curbs, which will be expanded. The ticketing lobby will be expanded and will feature improved signage and a ground-level check-in area. An improved security checkpoint will be placed on the third floor of the terminal.
what about inside the terminal?
Post security, the 765,000, three-story New Terminal B North Concourse will be home to 22 narrowbody gates and a new United Club with incredible views of the airfield. This club will be the largest in United’s system. The Terminal B South Concourse, where many regional flights board and deplane via air stairs and ramps, will have 30 gates converted to jetbridges. The conversion will allow United to board two-class regional jets with larger capacities, instead of 50-seaters like the CRJ-200 or Embraer ERJ-145.
Improvements go beyond his and will significantly improve the passenger experience through amenities like a United-branded park, sensory room, and comfort zones for passengers with disabilities. Two concessions hubs will be added through the project, totaling 115,000 square feet of retail and dining space.
The arrival and departure halls will be designed by Page, a Houston-based design, architecture, and design company, and Grimshaw Architects, based in London. Clark Construction will handle the building. The concourses will be designed by PGAL, specializing in architecture, interiors, and engineering, and built by Manhattan Construction. Both are Houston-based companies. Manhattan Construction has worked with United on several projects in the last 25 years and is looking forward to continuing its legacy in Houston.
In projects like this, keeping a lot of the work local is essential, as it generates a significant amount of employment and benefits the local economy. The core of Manhattan’s team for the airport improvement are Houston locals who have spent much of their careers working on aviation projects. Additionally, trade contractors working with Manhattan are local to the Houston area.