What's happening?
Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced March 1 in a news release he has placed the United Airlines proposal for Terminal B upgrades at IAH on the March 6 council agenda.
The project, which was originally announced in June, hit a delay in November after former Houston City Controller Chris Brown declined to approve the agreement due to various concerns, including what he said was a lack of clarity on the financial terms and design plans for the redevelopment.
The proposed ordinance on the March 6 agenda would allocate $150 million from the city's airport system construction fund toward the total cost of the $2.55 billion project. The agreement also includes the city allocating $624 million in total in three portions.
Taking a step back
The $2.55 billion expansion is expected to triple the capacity of the existing Terminal B at IAH and make significant improvements in technology and customer service.
Goals of the project include:
- Expanding the fleet by replacing smaller aircrafts with larger ones to improve efficiency
- Creating a new, visually appealing processor area on the ground floor for arriving travelers
- Redesigning the roads and curbs to optimize customer flow
- Redesigning the departure core to provide more convenient access to the ticketing hallway
- Adding new security checkpoints and a variety of amenities
Now, after speaking with his administration and ensuring the proposal was a good business decision for the city, Whitmire said he is ready to seal the deal.
"I have listened to United, the city's financial advisors and the business community," he said. "Houston needs first-class facilities as a global city that welcomes millions of travelers to IAH annually. It is important for the airline and the millions of passengers traveling in and out of IAH every year. We will get this done the right way."
What they're saying
Jim Szczesniak, the newly appointed director of aviation for Houston Airports, said the mayor's decision to move forward with the project will have broad implications for the business and travel sectors that rely on travel through IAH.
"The transformation of IAH Terminal B not only promises an elevated passenger experience with cutting-edge technology and modern amenities but signifies a strategic investment in Houston's economic future as we seek to increase the terminal's capacity for even more passengers from curb to gate," he said. "More than a renovation, this project is a declaration of our commitment to progress and innovation, solidifying Houston's position as a global aviation hub while setting a new standard for airport excellence."
Michael Heckman, president of Houston First Corporation, said United's expansion of Terminal B is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to support Houston's economy and tourism industry.
"Last year's record traffic through Houston airports is illustrative of our growth as both a destination for travelers and a broader aviation hub," he said. "The increased capacity, efficiency and modern amenities of the new Terminal B are just the things that will enhance the traveler experience and are important for Houston to remain a premier travel destination."
Stay tuned
Houston City Council will vote on the project March 6. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. at Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. Meetings are also live streamed at HTV Houston Television or on the city's Facebook page.
