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Wattleigh

Jul 20, 2023 3:29 PM

HOUSTON | Houston Airport System Developments

Wanted to start a thread for developments at or involving the three airports under the administration of the HAS.

They are

-George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
-William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
-Ellington Airport (EFD)

Both of the major airports are seeing existing construction or plans to redevelop or expand terminals. Ellington Airport is also benefiting from the adjacent Spaceport developments and has had a new control tower completed in the past few years.

Developments at the Spaceport itself are covered in a separate thread.

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-t...t-18208430.php

Quote:

Houston mayor visits West Africa in hopes of establishing flight agreement

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other city leaders visited three African countries this week to discuss expansion opportunities, including a potential consulate office in the city.

By Kennedy Sessions
Updated July 19, 2023 11:55 a.m.

The Government of Nigeria and Houston officials are discussing creating a Bilateral Air Services Agreement for a potential direct flight from Houston to Nigeria in an effort to expand bilateral relations. Since Monday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has been on a trade mission visiting parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana.

According to Albert Akota at People's Daily, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Meribole told Turner an agreement between the nations would launch after new Ministers were "appointed and deployed appropriately."

In addition to creating an agreement for a direct flight from Nigeria to Houston, Turner said he aims to create consulate offices in each of the three countries, noting specifically Houston has one of the largest Nigerian populations in the U.S.

Wattleigh

Aug 10, 2023 1:17 PM

https://www.airportsinternational.co...wins-dot-award

Quote:

Houston anti-trafficking work wins DOT award

By Tara Craig
4th August 2023

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has recognised Houston Airports for its Together We Will #EndHumanTrafficking initiative.

The initiative, which earned the second place US Department of Transportation 2023 Combatting Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award, is a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking. The counter-trafficking proposal submitted by Houston Airports to the DOT includes expanding community awareness ahead of major travel periods and holidays, developing employee training to include human trafficking survivor voices, and providing donated financial support to local advocacy groups.

“Transportation workers and the travelling public have a key role to play in the fight against human trafficking – which is why it’s so important for everyone to recognise the signs and be prepared to report it,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Wattleigh

Aug 10, 2023 1:20 PM

https://www.click2houston.com/news/l...-bush-airport/

Quote:

New vehicle traffic control system using cameras, technology and manpower to keep vehicle traffic moving at Bush Airport

Published: August 2, 2023 at 7:06 PM

HOUSTON – Every day hundreds and thousands of people drive and travel through the Houston airports.

As we continue into the summer months, officials are anticipating even more vehicles will be helping travelers with dropoffs and pick-ups.

Luckily, Bush Intercontinental Airport has a Traffic Management Control Center to help ease the tension. It’s not for airplane traffic, but vehicle traffic.

The busiest time of the day for employee conduction traffic is between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, KPRC 2 went behind the scenes to see how the control center works.

“I love helping people,” one employee Selso Delgado said. “We like to help people.”

Delgado has been working at the airport for about four years and knows all things related to traffic. Delgado is part of the Traffic Management Control Center that oversees vehicle traffic at the airport using technology, cameras, and manpower.

Wattleigh

Aug 16, 2023 1:11 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=3#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Airlines are seeing surging demand — but how do IAH's and Hobby's 2023 numbers compare to 2019?

By Ty West and Sofia Gonzalez – Houston Business Journal
Aug 16, 2023

Houston may be recovering well from the pandemic, but airport travel remains below pre-pandemic levels for both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), according to recent data from aviation company Cirium Inc.

What does airline travel at IAH and HOU look like in 2023 vs. pre-pandemic traffic?

The number of scheduled flights at IAH last month was down compared to July 2019, but the number of seats was up, according to Cirium data. July 2023 had 17,489 flights, down about 10.4% from 19,522 in July 2019. Meanwhile, there were nearly 2.45 million seats, an increase of 82,000, or 3.5%, compared to four years earlier.

Available seat miles at IAH also saw a 0.4% decrease, or about 12.9 million ASMs. July 2023 had about 3.39 billion ASMs, while July 2019 had more than 3.4 billion ASMs.

As for Hobby, flights, seats and ASMs all saw a decrease when comparing July 2023 to July 2019. Last month, the airport had 5,201 scheduled flights, down 8.1% from 5,661 in July 2019.

The number of seats at Hobby totaled 809,583 in July 2023, a decrease of almost 8,700 seats, or 1.1%, and ASMs decreased by 17.5 million, or 2.8%, to total more than 615.2 million In July 2023.

Despite traveling lagging pre-pandemic levels, the two airports have big projects in the works.

Those traveling on United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) in and out of IAH could soon see changes in Terminal B, thanks to a plan that aims to modernize and triple the capacity of the current facilities. Officials from the Chicago-based airline shared the current plans for the terminal’s redevelopment program during a May 31 meeting of Houston City Council's Economic Development Committee.

Much of IAH's current construction is related to expanding the airport’s international complex to accommodate operations for more than 15 foreign airlines as well as United’s international service. Major aspects of the $1.3 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program include a refurbishment of Terminal D and the construction of a new D-West pier, as well as the construction of a new baggage screening facility.

Separately, the Houston Airports System is working to finalize its plans with Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) for a $450 million expansion at Hobby. The expansion will affect the west concourse — which Southwest opened in 2015 — the baggage claim area and the behind-the-scenes baggage system.

Wattleigh

Aug 17, 2023 3:58 PM

Greater Houston Partnership hosting a State of the Airports event in October. Registration is now open. Usually a lot of good information at these events.

https://www.houston.org/events/state-airports-3

Quote:

About this Event

Houston is a global city and its airports serve as a primary gateway to the South-Central region of the U.S. and Latin America. Houston Airports exists to connect the people, businesses, cultures and economies of the world to Houston.

Consistently ranked among the World's Top 100 airports, the Houston Airport System (HAS) is working to enhance the infrastructure and services provided to the millions of travelers and tons of cargo that pass through the region's two commercial airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport. The Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport is the world’s first truly urban commercial spaceport, offering unhampered access to a thriving aerospace community and world-class facilities. Its three anchor tenants are directly supporting NASA’s latest lunar missions.

City of Houston Aviation Director, Mario Diaz, will deliver a dynamic presentation about how a thoughtful and deliberate strategy continues to guide Houston Airports toward long-term success as the airport system redefines the aviation and aerospace industries through a cultural, sustainable, and innovative revolution.

Registration and ticket information to come. For information on sponsorship, click here.

Wattleigh

Aug 30, 2023 12:50 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...t-traffic.html

Quote:

Labor Day weekend to bring crowds to Houston airports, capping a record-setting summer

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Aug 29, 2023

As Labor Day draws near, the city of Houston is prepared to welcome a record number of travelers for the summer.

According to the Houston Airport System, more than 830,000 passengers will be traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), combined, between Aug. 31 and Sept. 4. Specifically, HOU is expected to welcome nearly 200,000 travelers, while IAH expects more than 636,000.

Of these numbers, domestic travelers represent nearly 80% of the total, while more than 20% are bound for international destinations, HAS said.

Houston's 2023 Labor Day travel projections are 3% higher than traffic seen during the same period in 2022 and 5% more when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to HAS data. Sept. 1 is expected to be the busiest day of holiday travel at Houston’s airports.

Meanwhile, Chase Travel found Houston has seen an 82% year-over-year increase in Labor Day weekend bookings, crowning the Bayou City the No. 1 "rising Labor Day weekend destination" in the country.

Following behind Houston on the Chase Travel list are Spokane, Washington, at No. 2; Kansas City, Missouri, at No. 3; Anaheim, California, at No. 4; and Boise, Idaho, at No. 5. The only other Texas city on the list is San Antonio at No. 6.

Wattleigh

Aug 30, 2023 8:21 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=7#cxrecs_s

https://media.bizj.us/view/img/12552...-expansion.jpg

Quote:

Houston OKs first funding installment for Southwest Airlines' $470M Hobby Airport expansion

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Aug 30, 2023

The city of Houston has allocated an additional $250 million for Southwest Airlines Co.'s (NYSE: LUV) planned expansion at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

The funding was unanimously approved during an Aug. 30 Houston City Council meeting. Overall, the expansion will affect the west concourse — which Southwest opened in 2015 — the baggage claim area and the behind-the-scenes baggage system. A driving factor for this expansion is an increase in demand for service from Hobby, Houston Airport System said.

The project previously was believed to cost at least $250 million. However, when the original budget was estimated for the seven-gate expansion, the airline didn’t include a significant expansion in outbound baggage capacity, Steve Sisneros, vice president of airport affairs for Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, told the Houston Business Journal. Another element that drove the budget increase was material and cost escalation, he said.

According to the HAS, the money currently allocated is just the beginning. A supplemental appropriation request of $200 million will come before Houston City Council in about 12 to 15 months. Once all approved, the total funding will come to $470 million.

Wattleigh

Sep 5, 2023 1:43 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...epartures.html

Quote:

IAH security wait times among longest for big airports; on-time rates close to average

By Brianna Kelly and Olivia Pulsinelli – Houston Business Journal
Sep 1, 2023

Attention, Labor Day travelers: Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has one of the longest average security wait times among the busiest airports in the U.S., according to a recent study by travel company PlanetWare.

With an average wait time of 17.1 minutes, IAH tied with Tampa International Airport in Florida for the No. 4 spot among busiest airports.

These are the top five busiest airports with the longest average wait times:

No. 1: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) – average wait time of 20.5 minutes
No. 2: Chicago O'Hare International Airport – average wait time of 19.5 minutes
No. 3: Chicago Midway International Airport – average wait time of 18.4 minutes
No. 4 (tied): Tampa International Airport – average wait time of 17.1 minutes
No. 4 (tied): George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston) – average wait time of 17.1 minutes

Here are the top five busiest airports with the shortest average wait times:

No. 1: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – average wait time of 5.1 minutes
No. 2: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport – average wait time of 7.1 minutes
No. 3: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – average wait time of 7.8 minutes
No. 4: Philadelphia International Airport – average wait time of 9.2 minutes
No. 5: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – average wait time of 10 minutes

PlanetWare analyzed average wait times at more than 170 U.S. airports using data from iFly.com, which monitors flight volumes and when TSA is staffed at certain capacities to determine the estimated wait time by hour.

When considering all of the airports in the sample, including smaller airports with much shorter average wait times, IAH comes in at No. 19, while Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) takes the No. 33 spot with an average wait time of 13.6 minutes.

Overall, Texas ties with Oklahoma for No. 10 among states with the longest average wait times: 11.7 minutes. That's higher than the average of 10 minutes for all 171 airports analyzed.

Wattleigh

Sep 14, 2023 1:40 PM

https://www.passengerterminaltoday.c...erminal-d.html

Quote:

George Bush Airport upgrades Terminal D
By ELIZABETH BAKER
September 5, 2023

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston has begun installing modern seating – with bigger armrests and more cupholders and power outlets – inside Terminal D’s new International Central Processor.

There will also be modern upgrades like standing desks and family pod seating, and an extension with six wide-body gates that can also accommodate 10 narrow-body gates in Terminal D.

The steel framing for an oculus measuring 11.5 x 25.5m in the new International Central Processor is now in place. Once completed, the oculus will feature 61m of digital displays visible to passengers on two levels of the new building, which will house 66 check-in kiosks and 17 lanes for TSA security and baggage claim.

Each night, construction crews have five hours to tackle these projects safely and efficiently. The tight window of time measures the lull between the last flights of one day and the first flights of the next. “It’s a huge, complex operation,” explained Kelly Woodward, assistant director of operational readiness for Houston Airports. “You cannot do this during the day inside a very busy airport.”

The teams journey almost a kilometer with the new airport furniture, which must be screened and checked by security officers before moving through the airport’s existing international terminal, which is now under construction. New furniture comes in, old furniture gets carried out. “The tile has come in. The carpet has come in,” says Woodward. “We’re now in the furniture phase of redesigning all of our gate-hold areas. Every night for three weeks, we’ll be bringing in furniture and redesigning 12 gate-hold areas.”

https://www.passengerterminaltoday.c...rrivals-05.jpg

https://www.passengerterminaltoday.c...DSC09503-2.jpg

Video from HAS

• Video Link

Wattleigh

Nov 2, 2023 3:20 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=5#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Viva Aerobus adds new flights from Houston's IAH to Mexico ahead of holiday season

Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will soon begin offering more flights to Mexico, thanks to Viva Aerobus.

The Mexican carrier will add year-round services to Queretaro, Mexico, as well as increase the number of flights on four existing routes. Viva Aerobus' expanded service will help continue to strengthen the ties between Houston and Mexico, Mario Diaz, director of aviation for Houston Airports, said in a recent statement.

The new nonstop flight to Queretaro, which begins on Dec. 2, will be offered four days per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Queretaro be the airline's fifth nonstop connection from IAH to Mexico.

Also starting in December, Viva Aerobus will increase the number of flights it offers from Houston to four of its popular destinations:

-IAH-Leon/Bajio will increase from four flights per week to five flights per week.

-IAH-Guadalajara will increase from four flights per week to daily service.

-IAH-Mexico City will increase from six flights per week to daily service. IAH is the only U.S. airport that has a direct flight to Mexico City's new Felipe Angeles International Airport, according to Houston Airports.

-IAH-Monterrey will increase from 13 flights per week to 19 flights per week.

“As a primary gateway to Latin America, it’s imperative that Houston Airports continue to support the strengthening of the economic ties between Houston and Mexico,” Željka Momirovic, director of the air service development for Houston Airports, said in a statement.

Wattleigh

Nov 2, 2023 6:26 PM

https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/20...es-boeing-777/

Quote:

Air New Zealand Leases Boeing 777 For Melbourne to Houston Flights via Auckland

The aircraft, formerly identified as B-KPJ with the MSN36157, has been registered in the New Zealand aircraft registry as ZK-OKU

BY BHAVYA VELANI
November 2, 2023

AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ), based in Auckland, has entered into an agreement with Air Lease Corporation to lease a Boeing 777-300ER for a three-year period.

The aircraft, which is 14.90 years old and was previously leased to Cathay Pacific (CX) based in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), was transported to Auckland in mid-October. It is currently undergoing maintenance and is scheduled to commence service in mid-November.

Air New Zealand Leases Boeing 777
The aircraft, formerly identified as B-KPJ with the manufacturer serial number (MSN) 36157, has been registered in the New Zealand aircraft registry as ZK-OKU, reported Ch-aviation.

In September 2020, Cathay Pacific placed the aircraft into deep storage at Alice Springs, but it did not return to scheduled flights for the airline. Instead, it was returned to the lessor.

Air New Zealand’s CEO, Greg Foran, announced in September that the lease for the aircraft was imminent, though he did not disclose its source. ZK-OKU will help alleviate the carrier’s long-haul capacity shortage as it awaits the delivery of two Boeing 787-9s and six 787-10s.

Foran also stated that he is actively searching for a second 777-300ER to lease. Currently, Air New Zealand operates seven aircraft of this type.

The second 777 is sought to address capacity issues arising from certain Airbus Neo jets being taken out of service due to the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine recall.

Deployment on US and Australian Routes
ZK-OKU is scheduled to operate a route that runs three times a week from Melbourne Tullamarine to Auckland, then to Houston, back to Auckland, and finally returning to Melbourne. Additionally, it will operate several services to Sydney Kingsford Smith in the latter part of November.

Wattleigh

Nov 10, 2023 1:54 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=0#cxrecs_s

Quote:

United Airlines pushes for new service from IAH to Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Nov 9, 2023

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) could soon be welcoming more daily nonstop flights from Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport.

Chicago-based United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation on Nov. 9 to begin offering this route. If approved, United will become the first U.S.-based carrier to fly nonstop service between IAH and Haneda.

United currently offers nonstop flights from IAH to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. However, Haneda is Tokyo’s close-in airport, while Narita is more than twice as far from downtown Tokyo.

In February 2019, United tried to petition to the DOT to operate nonstop flights from Houston to the Haneda Airport. The airline at the time cited convenience for passengers. In a Nov. 9 release, United said it “has worked diligently to develop a Japanese network to promote competition and provide affordable and consistent service options for U.S. travelers.”

Currently, Houston has a nonstop flight to Haneda International Airport thanks to Japan-based All Nippon Airways. In November 2019, the airline announced it would move its Houston-Tokyo service from Narita International Airport to Haneda International Airport.

According to United, other cities that have flights to Haneda include New York/Newark with five; Los Angeles with seven; Chicago with three; Dallas-Fort Worth with two; and Washington, D.C., with two. United’s current service to Tokyo spans all of its seven U.S. hubs and includes multiple flights to each of Haneda and Narita airports, a release says.

If the DOT approves United's new application, nearly 64 communities across the South will have the opportunity to be connected to Haneda via IAH. According to United, this would represent roughly 575,000 annual Tokyo bookings, or 21% of all U.S. mainland’s Tokyo demand.

Wattleigh

Nov 14, 2023 12:46 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=6#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Houston airports expecting 2.4M travelers for Thanksgiving, largest crowd on record

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Nov 13, 2023

With the holiday season ramping up, Houston airports are expecting this year’s Thanksgiving crowd to be the largest on record.

According to the Houston Airports System, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are expected to welcome a combined 2.4 million travelers during the busiest travel season of the year, which HAS defines as the 13-day period from Nov. 16 to Nov. 28.

This year’s combined number of expected travelers is a 6% increase from the same travel period in 2019 and an 11% increase from 2022. Separately, IAH expects more than 1.8 million travelers, while HOU expects 540,000 travelers.

Those traveling through Houston airports can expect the busiest days for travel to be Nov. 17 and Nov. 26. On these days, more than 200,000 people are expected to travel. Meanwhile, for anyone who hasn’t yet planned a trip but wants to, the slowest air travel days are expected to be Nov. 23, with an expected 125,000 travelers, and Nov. 28, with 165,000 travelers.

Chicago-based United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) also expects its busiest-ever Thanksgiving holiday travel season this year. More than 5.9 million people will fly United this Thanksgiving travel season, which the airline defines as Nov. 17 to 29. That's an increase of almost 5% compared to 2019 and 13% compared to last year.

The carrier will fly more than 3,900 flights per day on average, equal to about three flights taking off per minute. United has added more than 550,000 seats to meet the greater demand.

Those traveling are being asked to plan ahead, especially for those flying in and out of IAH due to ongoing construction of the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program — the largest capital improvement project in Houston airport history.

With the international terminal under construction, multi-ton pieces of steel trusses will be delivered during the day by semi-trucks in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, HAS noted.

Wattleigh

Nov 15, 2023 9:03 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=0#cxrecs_s

Quote:

City approves agreement with United Airlines for nearly $2.6B plan at IAH, funding still pending

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Nov 15, 2023

Houston City Council is moving forward with plans for Chicago-based United Airlines' Terminal B redevelopment project — which is expected to cost $2.6 billion — at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

During a Nov. 15 meeting, a memorandum of agreement was approved between the city and airline. In the meeting, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the item is simply a resolution for the city to be collaborative; there was no money on the item. Another agenda item is still in the works for the appropriation of funds and is expected later this month.

A week earlier, the original agenda item for the approval and authorization of a memorandum of agreement between the city and United (Nasdaq: UAL), as well as an appropriation of $150 million for the project, was withheld by City Controller Chris Brown.

In a previous emailed statement, Brown said he declined the item “in the interest of protecting taxpayer funds,” citing a similar situation that occurred with the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program.

“While future requests for financing will need to be approved by my office, this morning’s Council action provides an opportunity to work with the administration and the Houston Airport System to increase the due diligence around the agreement, including updating the feasibility study,” Brown said in a statement emailed Nov. 15. “I look forward to working with the Houston Airport System, the administration and United to resolve the concerns I’ve outlined since the agreement’s inception.”

A Nov. 15 joint release from United and HAS says the city portion of the money for the project will be provided by the HAS enterprise fund and is consistent with federal law as an “appropriate use of airport revenues.” United said it will be responsible for $1.9 billion of the costs, while the city expects to fund $624 million in “enabling projects.” Turner said the request for appropriation of the funds will be done in several segments.

Wattleigh

Nov 21, 2023 3:24 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...t-flights.html

Quote:

United to add flights between IAH in Houston and Mexico's future Tulum airport

By Olivia Pulsinelli – Assistant managing editor, Houston Business Journal
Nov 20, 2023

Houston is one of the first U.S. cities getting flights to a new airport in Tulum, Mexico.

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) plans to offer nonstop flights to the soon-to-open Tulum International Airport (TQO) from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) as well as Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the New York area. The 22 weekly flights are expected to start March 31, 2024, pending government approval. Additionally, United plans to add daily seasonal service from Los Angeles on May 23.

Flights became available for sale on Nov. 18.

"Mexico continues to be a leading leisure destination and Tulum has quickly emerged as one of Mexico's most popular destinations for American travelers," United said in its Nov. 17 announcement.

Tulum International Airport — officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum or Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport — is under construction about 90 miles south of Cancun and is slated to open Dec. 1, according to the airport's website. It is expected to process more than 5 million passengers annually, making it the second-busiest airport on the Yucatán peninsula. It will have an on-site military air base to increase airspace security and a train station.

United says it will be the largest airline flying between the U.S. and the Riviera Maya region of Mexico this winter. During the seasonal peak, United will have more than 200 weekly flights from eight U.S. cities to Cancun, including from Houston. The airline also will continue to fly between Cozumel and Houston, Chicago and Denver, operating up to 11 weekly flights this winter.

Overall, the Chicago-based airline is growing its Latin America and Caribbean by 25% this winter. Some additional enhancements in the company's local winter schedule include:

-Three daily flights between Houston and San Jose, Costa Rica, and San Salvador, El Salvador.
-Two daily flights between Houston and Belize City, Belize.
-Three daily flights between Houston and Leon/Guanajuato, Mexico.
-Ten weekly flights between Houston and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Wattleigh

Nov 27, 2023 2:51 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=5#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Houston's IAH, Hobby Airport rank among top 10 on WSJ's 2023 U.S. Airport Rankings

By Olivia Pulsinelli – Assistant managing editor, Houston Business Journal
Nov 22, 2023

If you're flying into or out of Houston's airports this busy holiday travel season, there is good news. The Wall Street Journal ranked both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) among the best nationwide.

The WSJ's 2023 U.S. Airport Rankings scored the 50 busiest airports in the country, split into 20 large and 30 midsize airports. IAH ranked No. 7 overall in the large category, and Hobby took the No. 5 spot in the midsize category.

To compile the ranking, the airports were scored on 30 measures divided into two main categories: reliability as well as value and convenience. Houston's airports landed among the top in several of these measures as well.

IAH ranked in the top 10 for seven of the 10 reliability measures. That includes ranking No. 1 in the Bureau of Transportation Statistics security delay category, No. 5 in the fast security clearance category, No. 7 for both flight cancellations and average arrival delays, No. 8 for on-time arrival, and Nos. 9 and 10 for average taxi-out and -in times, respectively. IAH's worst ranking in the reliability category was for average departure delays, coming in at No. 17 out of 20 airports. The airport ranked No. 14 in the baggage claim rating and No. 11 in on-time departures.

Out of 17 measures in the value and convenience category, IAH claimed top-10 rankings in nine areas. That includes ranking No. 1 for its on-site parking rating; No. 2 in child facilities; No. 8 for nonstop destinations as well as lounge and gate seat ratings; No. 9 for ratings of bathrooms, restaurants/bars and shopping; and No. 10 for the cost of UberX to the center of the city. However, IAH also came in last at No. 20 for its taxi/ride-share rating.

With more competition among the midsize airports, Hobby only claimed top-10 spots in four of the 10 reliability measures. It ranked No. 1 for both fast security clearance and average taxi-out time as well as No. 3 for both its baggage claim rating and average departure delays. At the other end of the spectrum, Hobby ranked No. 28 out of 30 airports in the BTS security delay measure and No. 27 for on-time departures.

In the value and convenience category, however, Hobby took top-10 spots in 13 out of 17 measures. Those rankings were:

No. 1: taxi/ride-share rating
No. 2: lounges rating; restaurants/bars rating; child facilities ratings; shopping rating
No. 3: water-filling stations rating; UberX to city center
No. 4: on-site parking rating
No. 5: Wi-Fi/outlets rating
No. 6: Airport layout rating; bathroom rating; gate seats rating
No. 7: average domestic fare
No. 9: staff/announcements rating
No. 10: nonstop destinations

Among Texas cities, Houston ranks far ahead of Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin but behind San Antonio.

Wattleigh

Dec 1, 2023 1:37 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2023/11/30/united-airlines-redevelopment-groundbreaking.html

Quote:

United Airlines breaks ground on $2.6B Terminal B redevelopment project at IAH, other new developments

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Nov 30, 2023
Updated Nov 30, 2023 5:25pm CST

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) has officially broken ground on the $2.6 billion redevelopment of Terminal B at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

During the Nov. 30 groundbreaking event, the airline shared more details about the expansion — which is currently awaiting final approval for the city's portion of funding — as well as a new baggage system, a new United Club location and the addition of A321neo, the first new Airbus aircraft to enter United’s fleet since 2002. According to the airline, these investments are part of its United Next growth plan, which aims to make its fleet bigger.

With the Terminal B redevelopment project, United Airlines plans to modernize and triple the capacity of the current facility, which was built in 1969. Once the redevelopment is complete, Terminal B will span 765,000 square feet across three levels and will have 22 mainline, narrow-body gates.

The project includes upgrades such as expansion of curbside and roadway capacity, expansion of the ticketing lobby, and two new passenger concourses. It will also include two major concession hubs with 115,000 square feet of food and retail space, an expanded baggage claim hall and a new baggage-handling system.

The proposed Terminal B expansion will also include a new United Club location, joining the eight new clubs the airline has introduced within the past two years. With United Club and lounge locations, travelers have access to free snacks and beverages and high-speed Wi-Fi, among other amenities.

The goal with the redevelopment project is to help increase the number of people who can travel during peak periods 40% by 2026, in comparison to 2023, Phil Griffith, vice president of United’s Houston Hub, said during the event.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who also spoke during the event, said the new project will bring in nearly 4,000 new jobs and is poised to welcome 36 million travelers. Mario Diaz, Houston Airport System executive director, said the project will also help bring in more new international destinations — such as the first-ever flight to Georgetown, Guyana — while increasing employees' earnings.

“[The project] will amplify Houston's reputation as a premier destination and cultivate even more opportunities for its economic development,” Turner said.

Currently, United is one of Houston’s largest employers with about 14,000 to 15,000 jobs in the city.

During the event, United CEO Scott Kirby said the project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. During a Nov. 15 meeting, Houston City Council approved a memorandum of agreement between the city and United to support the project.

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Wattleigh

Dec 1, 2023 1:48 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=8#cxrecs_s

Quote:

United Airlines unveils first-ever nonstop service from Houston's IAH to Georgetown, Guyana

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Nov 30, 2023

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) will soon offer new nonstop service between Houston and Georgetown, Guyana, becoming the first airline to do so, officials say.

According to the Houston Airport System's Fly2Houston.com website, this will be the only existing nonstop flight from Houston to the entire country of Guyana, which is on the northern coast of South America.

The service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin on April 1 with four flights per week on a 737-Max 8 aircraft.

The new flight comes amid energy companies' growing interest in Guyana thanks to a recent offshore discovery and major acquisition. Spring-based Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) and New York-based Hess Corp. (NYSE: HES), which will be acquired by California-based Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) for $53 billion, are among the major production companies in the area. Hess' Guyana assets are estimated to make up about 80% of the value of the Chevron deal.

This new route will join the more than 160 destinations travelers can reach through a nonstop flight from Houston. According to United, it is the only carrier to serve nonstop flights to more than 85 of those destinations, including locations such as Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panama and Peru, among others.

Wattleigh

Dec 9, 2023 5:01 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...-security.html

Quote:

Houston City Council OK’s $36.8M contract for security guard services at IAH, Hobby Airport

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Nov 29, 2023

A nearly $36.76 million contract for security guard services for the Houston Airport System has been awarded to a new company.

During its Nov. 29 meeting, Houston City Council approved awarding the contract to California-based Universal Protection Services LP, which does business as Allied Universal Security Services. Enterprise funds will be used to pay for the contract, which lasts for three years but has two one-year options, according to the City Council agenda item.

According to city documents, the enterprise fund is “established to account for city operations that are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises where the cost of providing goods or services to the general public is financed primarily through user charges.”

The city's request for proposals was “issued as a goal-oriented contract with a 15% minority/women-owned business enterprises contractor participation level,” according to the agenda item. Of the money allocated, around $5.5 million will be used for the certified M/WBE subcontractor chosen by Allied Universal Security Services — Houston-based USAPD LLC, which does business as USA Patrol Division.

The contractor is required to provide fully qualified security officers, along with supervision, tools, equipment, permits, parts, expendable items, material and supplies for its services at both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), the agenda item states.

This contract is for security personnel, not the Transportation Security Administration, District C Council Member Abbie Kamin emphasized during the meeting.

Under the new contractor, employees' wages will begin at $16 per hour, Kamin said. The contractor will also provide the health care benefits that the city of Houston requires for its employees. She said that this is important as the city continues to focus both on its airports as well as the need for a living wage.

“We appreciate everything that our airport workers do,” Kamin said.

Wattleigh

Jan 2, 2024 3:00 PM

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/a...heated-debate/

Quote:

Houston City Council approves changes to airport concessions contracts in heated debate

In a 9-7 vote, the council approved changes to how four airport concession agreements are terminated. That makes it tougher for Pappas to potentially win back operations at the city’s airports after losing them last year.

ASHLEY BROWN | POSTED ON DECEMBER 21, 2023, 2:30 PM

Mayor Sylvester Turner wrapped up his last city council meeting on Wednesday before he leaves office at the end of the month. But, before heading out, Houston City Council had a heated debate over airport concession agreements.

In a 9-7 vote, the council voted to make changes to how four airport concession agreements are terminated. Some council members called the language unfair and wanted all concession contracts to read the same, although the four agreements were already approved.

The Houston Airport System director previously had the authority to cancel the contracts at will under a "termination of convenience" clause. District K Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum presented the amendment, stripping the power from the airport director.

"I don’t feel like this is fair for these four agreements to be the only revenue agreements that have a clause in it that says that they can be terminated for convenience," said. "If I had an agreement at the airport, I would want my agreement to be like everyone else’s agreement at the airport."

The agreements will now have to present a reasonable cause for leaving a contract. The four concessions are for 10 years totaling over $1 billion with food, beverage, and retail concessions at Hobby Airport and Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Wattleigh

Jan 11, 2024 2:01 PM

https://communityimpact.com/houston/...ts-terminal-a/

Quote:

Houston OKs $1.2M for vestibule upgrades at Bush Airport's Terminal A

By Shawn Arrajj | 4:26 PM Jan 10, 2024 CST
Updated 4:26 PM Jan 10, 2024 CST

Members of the Houston City Council approved an agenda item at a Jan. 10 meeting providing $1.2 million for upgrades at the departure and arrival vestibules at Terminal A of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Two-minute impact

The contract was awarded to FMG Construction Group and uses funding from the city's Airports Renewal and Replacement Fund. In agenda language submitted to council, city staff said the vestibules at Terminal A were in need of replacement. The contract also calls for efficiency upgrades. In all, work will target all three arrival vestibules and one departure vestibule on Level 2, including:

Replacement of automatic sliding doors, air curtains and security devices
Expansion of departures vestibule and refreshing finishes
Work will be carried out through a phased approach with an accessible path to operational curbsides while work is underway, according to city information.

Wattleigh

Jan 12, 2024 1:40 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...erminal-b.html

Quote:

TURBULENCE IN FUNDING

United Airlines' expansion project has experienced a long layover — but that may soon change.

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Jan 12, 2024

United Airlines' (Nasdaq: UAL) Terminal B expansion project layover may soon come to an end now that it's in the hands of Houston's new administration.

Funding for the airline's $2.6 billion project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has been delayed over and over thanks to a nearly two-month withhold by former City Controller Chris Brown.

Originally, Brown withheld the item for $150 million in funding on Nov. 8 — preventing the city’s final stamp of approval on the project. With the funding for the Terminal B expansion project moving forward to the new administration, the item will now be overseen by City Controller Chris Hollins, who was officially sworn in during a Jan. 2 ceremony.

The Terminal B redevelopment project will modernize and triple the capacity of the current facility, which was built in 1969. Once the redevelopment is complete, Terminal B will span 765,000 square feet across three levels and will have 22 mainline, narrow-body gates.

Brown previously said his office wanted to do their due diligence to ensure taxpayer dollars are being protected.

“In recent weeks, my staff has visited with the Houston Airport System (HAS) to address the concerns we’ve outlined from day one,” Brown said in an updated statement to Houston Business Journal. “As of [Dec. 20] my office [had] yet to receive an updated feasibility study regarding the financing of the proposal.”

United said it will be responsible for $1.9 billion of the costs, while the city expects to fund $624 million. The request for appropriation of the funds will be done in several segments, and will come from the HAS enterprise fund.

According to city documents, the enterprise fund is “established to account for city operations that are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises where the cost of providing goods or services to the general public is financed primarily through user charges.”

Wattleigh

Jan 24, 2024 1:43 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=1#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Frontier Airlines to add new nonstop routes from Houston's IAH, other airports

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Jan 23, 2024

Denver-based Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) is expanding its service for Houstonians traveling out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

The ultra-low-cost carrier said Jan. 23 it will begin services to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) from IAH.

The IAH service to MDW will begin April 11 with a frequency of four times a week. Meanwhile, twice-daily flights to DFW will begin on April 21. The flight to CLT is set to begin on April 21 as well, but with a frequency of three times a week.

The new Houston flights are just some of the dozens of routes Frontier Airlines is adding across 38 airports.

“This is a massive expansion of our operation from coast to coast and internationally as part of our focus on growing in underserved and overpriced routes,” Josh Flyr, vice president, network and operations design of Frontier Airlines, said in a statement.

Wattleigh

Jan 24, 2024 9:10 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=2#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Houston airports set record travel numbers in 2023, officially recover from pandemic

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Jan 24, 2024

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) have full recovery from the pandemic thanks to a record-breaking 2023, new data from the Houston Airport System shows.

The two airports combined welcomed 60.1 million passengers last year, beating the previous record of 59.7 million passengers set in 2019 prior to Covid-related travel disruptions. The 2023 total also is 6 million more passengers than IAH and Hobby welcomed in 2022.

IAH saw a total of 46.1 million total passengers, up from 45.3 million in 2019, while Hobby saw 14 million total passengers, down slightly from 14.46 million in 2019. As for domestic passengers, the two airports saw a combined 47.6 million travelers. Meanwhile, the airports saw a combined 12.5 million international passengers.

Last year also marked significant international growth for Houston airports. According to HAS, 2.5 million passengers connected to Mexico, a 27% increase from 2019. Nearly 75,000 passengers connected to Australia/New Zealand, a 24% increase from 2019, and nearly 233,000 passengers connected to the Middle East, up 7% from 2019.

Wattleigh

Jan 29, 2024 9:35 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=2#cxrecs_s

Quote:

United Airlines adds flights to its summer schedule, including in Houston

By Ben Miller, contributing writer; Olivia Pulsinelli, Houston Business Journal
Jan 29, 2024

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) unveiled its summer schedule Jan. 25, adding new flights from all seven of its U.S. hubs, including Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

The Chicago-based carrier said it plans to fly 100 routes with dual cabin aircraft this summer from Houston. United will add more than 40 new flights from IAH to some of the most popular U.S. destinations this summer, including Tampa, Florida; Boston; Charleston, South Carolina; and Miami.

Notably, United will resume nonstop service between Houston and Ontario, California, in May for the first time since 2022. Previously, United also said it would offer new nonstop service between Houston and Georgetown, Guyana, becoming the first airline to do so. Those flights are scheduled to begin April 1.

United's summer schedule announcement comes on the heels of Denver-based Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) announcing new routes out of Houston to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). It also comes after IAH and William P. Hobby Airport welcomed a record-setting number of travelers in 2023.

Overall, United has scheduled more than 100 new flights to cities in the U.S. and Canada this summer.

Wattleigh

Feb 7, 2024 2:36 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=9#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Longtime Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz retires, replacement named

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Feb 2, 2024

Houston Mayor John Whitmire is continuing to make changes to city leadership with the naming of Jim Szczesniak as the Houston Airport System’s new interim director.

Szczesniak succeeds Mario Diaz, who has overseen HAS — which includes George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport — since mid-2010. Prior to his interim director role, Szczesniak became the COO for the Houston Airport System in 2022.

Szczesniak will serve in the interim role until City Council confirms him as the permanent director of HAS, Whitmire wrote in a Feb. 2 memo obtained by the Houston Business Journal.

“I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Mario Diaz, the departing airport director, for his 14 years of dedicated service and contributions to our airport system and our city,” Szczesniak wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Under his leadership, the airport system achieved significant milestones and set a strong foundation for future success. His commitment and passion have been invaluable, and I extend my best wishes to him in his future endeavors.”

According to the Feb. 2 memo, Whitmire told City Council members that Diaz had notified him of his intent to retire.

"Over the past 13 years, Mario has been a visionary and dedicated leader for our city,” Whitmire wrote. “As he embarks on a new chapter, I extend my appreciation for his contributions to the City of Houston and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Wattleigh

Feb 14, 2024 1:43 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...lvet-taco.html

Quote:

William P. Hobby Airport officially welcomes The Spot; Velvet Taco opening next

By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Feb 13, 2024

Travelers flying through William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) have a new dining option to indulge in: The Spot.

The Galveston classic is located near Gate 1, according to a Feb. 12 tweet from Hobby Airport. The restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Fridays, and from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The Spot Bar, located at Gate 4, is also open during the same hours.

The menu will feature breakfast offerings such as a breakfast taco plate, a breakfast burger, pancakes with powdered sugar, morning cocktails and a variety of coffee. Other menu offerings also include bar bites, burgers and sandwiches, wings, beachfront tacos, seafood, shakes, salads, tropical cocktails, margaritas, beers and wines, among other items.

And next up on the list of new HOU eateries is Velvet Taco. According to a Houston Airport System spokesperson, the Dallas-based taco chain will open in Hobby by the end of the week. Other permanent concepts that have recently opened at HOU include Fat Cat Creamery and Dunkin Donuts.

Wattleigh

Feb 29, 2024 4:27 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=2#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Frontier Airlines announces 17 new nonstop routes at US airports,
including at IAH

By Jessica Gibbs – Reporter, Denver Business Journal
Feb 29, 2024

Denver-based Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) is launching 17 new nonstop routes from airports throughout the U.S. and internationally this spring, including in Houston, the airline announced Feb. 28.

In Houston, Frontier is adding two new routes at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Service to both Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California and O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago begins on May 17. Both routes run four times per week.

“We are excited to yet again expand our route map with a focus on underserved and overpriced markets as we head into spring,” Josh Flyr, Frontier’s vice president of network and operations design, said in a news release. “Increasing the number of cities with an ultra-low fare option helps ensure even more consumers can take to the skies this year to visit friends and family or experience a new destination on their travel wish list.”

The new routes will launch from cities including Atlanta, Nashville, Denver, Orlando, Ontario, Chicago and Portland, among others. Most of the new routes will run three to four times weekly.

Wattleigh

Feb 29, 2024 4:29 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...confirmed.html

Quote:

City Council confirms Jim Szczesniak as new Houston Airport System director

By Olivia Pulsinelli – Assistant managing editor, Houston Business Journal
Feb 29, 2024

Houston City Council unanimously confirmed Jim Szczesniak as the new director of aviation for the Houston Airport System on Feb. 28.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire first named Szczesniak as the interim director when Mario Diaz stepped down on Feb. 2 after leading HAS since mid-2010. Prior to taking over the director role, Szczesniak had been COO of HAS since 2022.

In his new role, Szczesniak will oversee the management and operations of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Ellington Airport (EFD) and the Houston Spaceport.

Szczesniak will also now be responsible for working with Whitmire’s administration and City Controller Chris Hollins to oversee new projects. One project in particular that is still awaiting city funding for its final stamp of approval is United Airlines’ (Nasdaq: UAL) IAH Terminal B redevelopment program. The $2.6 billion project — of which $624 million is expected to come from the city — will modernize and triple the capacity of the current facility, which was built in 1969.

"I am confident that Jim Szczesniak’s proven track record and visionary leadership will propel Houston Airports and the Houston Spaceport to become first-class operations,” Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. "Our airport system is part of the nerve system of this great city and you cannot take it for granted. I stand ready to join Mr. Szczesniak in a united endeavor and I believe that greater days are in front of us."

Wattleigh

Mar 5, 2024 1:48 PM

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/a...ths-long-halt/

Quote:

City of Houston to vote on first payment for United Airlines $2.6 billion project after months-long halt

The city has a total commitment of $625 million, to be made in 12 and 24 months, and United will spend more than $1.9 billion according to the plan.

Ashley Brown | Posted On
March 4, 2024, 5:09 PM

Houston City Council is expected to vote on Wednesday on the proposed funding expansion of United Airlines Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The vote comes almost four months after the previous controller halted the funding for the project.

The City of Houston was supposed to pay the first installment of $150 million in early November to United Airlines to jumpstart the project. The city has a total commitment of $625 million, to be made in 12 and 24 months, and United will spend more than $1.9 billion according to the plan. Week after week, former city controller Chris Brown, who wrapped up his term in December, failed to sign off on the funding. At the time, Brown said he was concerned about the financial impact of the deal on the city's finances.

"I'm elected by the taxpayers to ensure we're making smart use of funds and making smart decisions that don't jeopardize the taxpayers in the future,” Brown previously told Houston Public Media.

After an ongoing debate between Brown, former Mayor Sylvester Turner, and council members, a memorandum of agreement was signed on November 15 despite the funding questions. The agreement between United Airlines and the City of Houston confirmed both parties were still in support of the plan.

United is the only airline that operates out of Terminal B and the new project aims to triple its capacity – with an estimated 36 million passengers in the coming years. The airline celebrated a groundbreaking in November, although construction had not started and there was no clear date on when the project would take off.

The $2.6 billion redevelopment project is expected to bring over 3,000 jobs, 40 new gates for domestic and international travel, new amenities, and reconstructing its north and south concourses. According to the city, Terminal B is overdue for an upgrade, opening in 1969, as one of the original terminals at Bush.

Now, the plan is moving forward under the hands of the new administration.

Wattleigh

Mar 14, 2024 6:23 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...h-flights.html

Quote:

United Airlines to fly new route to Colombia from Houston's IAH

By Olivia Pulsinelli – Assistant managing editor, Houston Business Journal
Mar 14, 2024

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) will fly nonstop to Medellin, Colombia, for the first time ever this fall, the Houston Airport System announced March 13.

The new daily service from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Medellin will complement existing service from both Houston and New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Bogota, Colombia. United will fly the new route starting Oct. 27, and tickets will be available later this year.

This brings United to 52 routes from Houston to Latin America alone.

Overall, United now offers more international destinations than any other U.S. carrier, with nonstop service to 134 such locations across 67 countries, according to press releases from HAS and United.

"We have consistently been ahead of the curve in finding hidden gem destinations for our customers to explore and remain committed to providing the most unique slate of travel options for their adventures abroad," Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, said in the releases. "With our leading global network and elevated inflight experience, United has become the airline of choice for discerning customers looking for experiences they can't have with any other carrier."

In November, United said it would become the first airline to fly from Houston to Georgetown, Guyana. The new route from IAH begins April 1 with four flights per week. It will be the only existing nonstop flight from Houston to the entire country of Guyana, which is on the northern coast of South America.

Houston also will soon become one of the first U.S. cities with flights to a new airport in Tulum, Mexico.

United plans to offer nonstop flights to Tulum International Airport (TQO) from IAH as well as Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Newark. The 22 weekly flights — including two daily from IAH — are expected to start March 31. Additionally, United plans to add daily seasonal service from Los Angeles on May 23.

Wattleigh

Mar 21, 2024 1:06 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=1#cxrecs_s

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Quote:

Houston approves first round of funding for United Airlines' $2.6 billion IAH project

By Chandler France – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Mar 20, 2024

It’s official: Houston City Council has approved its first round of funding for United Airlines’ $2.6 billion Terminal B redevelopment project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

After months of delays, an item to provide $150 million in city funding for the project was once again included on council’s March 6 agenda. However, that meeting was adjourned before new City Controller Chris Hollins signed off on the funding, so council members did not have the opportunity to vote on the ordinance. The funding officially came up for a vote during the March 20 meeting and was approved.

“United Airlines is committed to providing the best travel experience to our customers and that includes investing in the $2.6B redevelopment of our Houston hub,” Chicago-based United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) said in a statement. “We are thrilled that Houston City Council voted to approve their portion of this project, so that we can deliver on the numerous benefits to our customers and employees and continue to invest in the city of Houston.”

Houston Airport System Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said during the city council meeting that the redevelopment will be a “welcome improvement” for the 50-year-old Terminal B. The project will modernize and triple the capacity of the terminal, which will span 765,000 square feet across three levels, featuring 22 mainline narrow-body and 18 large regional gates as well as two major concession hubs with 115,000 square feet of food and retail space, among other improvements.

The $150 million in funding is the first of three appropriations the city expects to give United over the course of the project. The city’s portion of the project will total $624 million, which is expected to be fully recoverable. Houston will need to approve future ordinances to provide United with further funding, Finance Director Melissa Dubowski said during the meeting.

Wattleigh

Mar 21, 2024 5:50 PM

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/new...o-19351230.php

Quote:

New nonstop flight coming to Houston this summer
By Hana Ikramuddin,
Staff writer
March 21, 2024

A new nonstop flight to Tweed-New Haven Airport in Southern Connecticut is making its way to Houston.

Avelo, established in 2018 and based in Houston, will be the only airline connecting William P. Hobby Airport to Connecticut via a nonstop flight when the service starts June 14, a news release announced. Flights will depart twice a week on Fridays and Mondays on a Boeing Next Generation 737 aircraft.

Wattleigh

Apr 24, 2024 1:41 PM

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/hobby-airport-cheapest-1-day-19418151.php

Quote:

Houston Hobby Airport ranked one of the cheapest airports in North America — if you spend the night

By Octavia Johnson,
Staff writer
April 24, 2024

The William P. Hobby Airport has been ranked the second most wallet-friendly airport in North America, according to a study.

Casino.ca analyzed the 50 busiest airports to find out which companies are cheaper based on the cost of a pint of beer, a night in a hotel room and a night of parking. In their study, Hobby Airport was No. 2, following behind San Jose International Airport which took the top spot.

The study found that Hobby Airport averaged $7.95 per beer, the lowest parking fee was about $12 for one night and the airport hotel can be under $120 for one night. The study didn't factor in eateries. However, Hobby Airport has food companies, including new restaurants such as Velvet Tacos which sells tacos for $10-20, according to fly2houston.com.

Ticket prices for airports depend on the airlines in the U.S.

Wattleigh

Apr 25, 2024 1:35 PM

Given the presence of SWA at HOU, it makes sense and really doesn't disrupt much.

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...Pos=0#cxrecs_s

Quote:

Southwest Airlines to end operations at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

By Olivia Pulsinelli – Assistant managing editor, Houston Business Journal
Apr 25, 2024

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) will no longer service Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and three other airports as of Aug. 4.

The other airports are Bellingham International Airport in Washington state, Cozumel International Airport in Mexico and Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York state. Also, Southwest plans to significantly restructure its operations in other markets, including reducing capacity at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Southwest resumed operations at IAH and O'Hare in 2021. The airline has a significantly larger presence at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) — where it represents more than 90% of the market share — and Chicago's Midway International Airport.

Wattleigh

Apr 30, 2024 12:58 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2024/04/30/houston-airports-hpe-6e-wifi-technology-projects.html

Quote:

Houston Airport System’s Wi-Fi upgrade just the beginning of technology overhaul

By Jishnu Nair – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Apr 30, 2024

The Houston Airport System’s recent upgrade to its Wi-Fi capabilities is just part of the system’s plans to update its technological capacities across George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

A deal with Spring-based Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (NYSE: HPE) will see the airport system adopt a Wi-Fi 6E networking solution at Houston’s two airports, which will significantly expand bandwidth for passengers. Additionally, the deal includes telemetry beacons through HPE’s Aruba Networking unit. Houston Airports will use the sensors to collect data on airport foot traffic for maintenance scheduling.

Houston Airports confirmed that the contract came from the HAS Renewal and Replacement Fund from the system’s capital improvement program. The expansion will cover all terminals at IAH and HOU as well as the parking garages at both airports. The project is set to be completed by early June.

With Houston Airports building out the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, now a nearly $1.46 billion renovation and expansion project set to complete next year, airport officials said there will be a lot of opportunities for businesses to secure similar deals as the system focuses on data collection and “smart” technologies. Other projects getting off the ground include United Airlines’ $2.6 billion Terminal B redevelopment project at IAH and Southwest Airlines' $470M Hobby Airport expansion.

“When you look at the large construction programs, you can debate how much of those programs are technology related, but I’ve seen numbers from 8-18%,” Darryl Daniel, chief technology officer at HAS, said in an interview with the Houston Business Journal. “Those numbers are not going down. This infrastructure is becoming smarter and smarter. There’s a lot of opportunities for all these programs.”

Daniel said the airport offers industry days to allow potential contractors to see what Houston Airports could be looking for in terms of projects.

Technology demands at airports are changing not just because of new technologies available, but also due to the habits of users, according to Stuart Strickland, chief technology officer of the Wireless division of HPE Aruba.

In addition to more people passing through — Houston Airports set a record in 2023 with 60.1 million passengers through IAH and HOU — people have become more online after the Covid-19 pandemic thanks to remote work and increased screen time in general.

“People’s digital lives have kind of taken off, partly by necessity, and so the demand per person for network capacity is much greater than it was,” Strickland said. “You can visually see in the airport that there’s more people, but what you can’t see is that each of those people is consuming a lot more data."

Wattleigh

May 24, 2024 12:50 PM

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...gen-study.html

Quote:

IAH's hydrogen study could lead to airport infrastructure, transport upgrades

By Jishnu Nair – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
May 24, 2024

A joint study for a potential hydrogen hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) could also lead to more significant infrastructure upgrades for the Houston Airport System.

The study was announced this week by European aerospace giant Airbus, which also selected Atlanta’s Hartfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) as its first North American partners for hydrogen hubs.

HAS confirmed to the Houston Business Journal that a memorandum of understanding for the study was signed in February 2024 before the work plan was drafted. The study will be completed by March 2025, according to Airbus’ announcement.

An Airbus spokesperson confirmed that if the study leads to a Houston hub, it would be the company’s first footprint in the Bayou City. Airbus has developed 11 hydrogen hubs across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region already. The aerospace company has invested in several Houston-based ventures, such as space station developer Starlab LLC and hypersonic transport company Venus Aerospace.

In addition to HAS and Airbus, the nonprofit Center for Houston’s Future is also participating in the study. However, the CHF clarified that any project resulting from Airbus’ study would not be related to the HyVelocity Hub, a network of hydrogen projects backed by major energy companies across the Texas Gulf Coast set to receive up to $1.2 billion in federal funding.

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