Groundbreaking Starts Construction Of New Terminal B South
Concourse At George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston Mayor Annise Parker (pictured) and the Houston
Airport System, in partnership with United Continental Holdings
broke ground Monday on the first phase of a three-phase
redevelopment project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Phase one of the project, to be completed in 2013, will create a
new Terminal B south concourse dedicated to regional jet
operations.
The $160 million south concourse project will replace the
existing south side flight stations with a new 225,000 square-foot
facility to accommodate United's regional aircraft. At nearly four
times the size of the existing space, the new concourse will
provide a better customer experience, as it will feature modern and
expanded gate lounge areas, concessions and restroom
facilities.
Travelers will access the new concourse from the terminal via a
95-foot-wide bridge with 13,000 square feet of food, beverage and
retail concessions – a 500-percent increase in concession
space over the current facility. The concourse will feature
28-foot-high floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering expansive
tarmac views from spacious central passenger lounge areas with
durable and modern interior finishes.
"As I noted in my inaugural address, creating jobs for
Houstonians is my number-one job for the next two years," said
Mayor Parker. "Phase one of this billion-dollar investment with
United is the first delivery on that promise. We celebrate the
boost to our local economy that will result from this investment.
Houston will thrive as our global gateway expands to include more
flights and greater access to business connections around the
world."
Houston-Bush Intercontinental
Airport
"Houston is our largest hub and a vital international gateway in
United's network," said Pete McDonald, United's executive vice
president and chief operations officer. "This investment in the
Houston hub will allow us to accommodate more customers and more
aircraft types, provide new amenities for travelers and improve
efficiencies for the new United."
Plans for future phases of the $1 billion redevelopment project
include redevelopment of the central Terminal B lobby and baggage
claim areas, a new international-capable north concourse for
mainline and regional jets, a new Terminal B Federal Inspections
Services (FIS) facility and infrastructure improvements. The entire
three-phase redevelopment project is planned over the next seven to
10 years, based on demand. The Houston Airport System is partnering
with United on the project and the new construction will be a
significant investment in the local economy by creating many jobs.
"Bush Intercontinental is the first impression many people have of
Houston," said Mario C. Diaz, director of the Houston Airport
System. "We exist to connect people, businesses and economies
around the world, and this project will allow for an enhanced
customer experience."