Runway Extensions Allow DFW Airport To Attract More
International Flights
DFW International
Airport has reopened the expanded Runway 18R/36L, which will
accommodate large, long haul airlines that serve Asia Pacific and
other major destinations around the world.
The 2,012-foot extension brings the runway to 13,400 feet and
became operational at 6:41 a.m. (Thursday). The first plane to
land at 6:57 a.m. was American Airlines Flight 102, a Boeing 767,
from Honolulu.
Construction of the project was completed on time and
approximately $500,000 under budget. The $25.55 million runway and
taxiway project is funded in part by $10,305,198 in FAA grant
money.
DFW has received more than $49 million in grants from the FAA
for the 18L, 18R and 17C improvement projects.
"The continued extension of runways at DFW is a key element in
our ability to attract additional international flights," said Jeff
Fegan, DFW Chief Executive Officer. "Longer runways keep us
competitive with other airports. These extensions and our new
International Terminal D reflect DFW Airport's position as a
critical gateway to the world."
With the runway expansions, fully loaded widebody aircraft can
take off with cargo or passengers without restrictions on the time
of year due to weather and temperature.
"As airlines come into existence the need for longer runways
will be critical, and these expansions eliminate any restrictions,"
Fegan said.
In August 2002, DFW completed a similar extension at Runway
18L/35R. An extension of Runway 17C/35C, which will also extend the
runway to 13,400 feet, is scheduled to start in January 2004 and be
completed in September 2005.
The project also
furthers DFW's goal of reducing delays to aircraft operations and
increasing its overall aircraft operation efficiency.
Other project elements slated for completion between Oct. 30 and
Nov. 30, 2003 include corresponding final NAVAID relocations, two
cross taxiways between the extension of Runway 18R and Runway 18L,
High Speed Exit E3 from Runway 18R (at Taxiway WK) to Taxiway E,
and the extension of Taxiway E from Taxiway Y to Taxiway WG.
Construction activity also included grading, drainage, pavement
markings, electrical installations and relocation of utilities.
Runway extension facts:
- The runway extension will improve aircraft movement to the
terminals and ensure that the west airfield runways retain balanced
arrival/departure capability.
- The extended runway will also allow all aircraft types to use
Land-And-Hold-Short-Operations (LAHSO) procedures.
- The high-speed exit E3 project will provide improved access to
the terminal area.
- Huitt-Zollars, with subconsultants Aviation Alliance and Garcia
& Associates, prepared the design. Huitt-Zollars, with
subconsultant Paragon Project Resources, is providing construction
management and quality assurance inspection.
- Approximately 50,000 tons of DFW recycled concrete has been
used.
- Approximately 30,000 cubic yards of dirt from the DFW Soil
Storage Area has been used.
- Minority & Women Owned Business (M/WBE) participation in
construction is approximately 26 percent.
About DFW Airport
Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth,
Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest,
serving 54 million passengers a year. Offering nearly 2,000
flights daily, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 135 domestic
and 32 international destinations worldwide.
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