United to invest US$2.6 billion in IAH Terminal B
United Airlines invests in the Terminal B expansion at IAH
United has announced a $2.6 billion renovation and expansion of Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), a new United Club location and Early Bag Storage facility (EBS). In its press release, United said that these investments are part of its United Next Growth Plan and include an expansion of 40 gates across IAH to accommodate larger aircraft. This change will increase the number of passengers who fly on peak travel dates by 2026 by up to 40 percent, compared to 2023.
Including the Terminal B project, United has invested more than US$3.5 billion in its Houston facilities since 2015. The expansion is expected to create 4,000 construction jobs.
"United Next is about new investments that improve the customer experience and building careers for the next generation of aviation professionals–and all those things and more are coming to life here in Houston," said United CEO, Scott Kirby.
United's Terminal B Transformation Program, pending final approval from Houston's city council, is set to enhance the travel experience for 54 million future passengers transiting annually throughout IAH.
Some project highlights include:
- A three-level, 765,000 square foot Terminal B North Concourse with 22 mainline, narrow-body gates
- Converting 30 existing small regional jet gates to 18 gates to accommodate larger, two-class regional jets in the Terminal B South Concourse
- Boarding via jet bridge for all flights
- Two major concessions hubs with more than 115,000 square feet of food and retail space
- A baggage handling system equipped with advanced tracking technology
- A new United Club
- Expanded curbside and roadway capacity with a ground-level check-in area
- A sensory room for passengers with disabilities
"Houston is a premier, world-class destination deserving of a state-of-the-art facility to welcome individuals traveling to our city," said Mayor Turner of the project. "The expansion of Terminal B is physical proof of United's ongoing commitment to the economic vitality of the City of Houston. We are grateful for United, one of the city's largest employers, for creating nearly 4,000 jobs for our community and enhancing the growing demand for domestic and international travel globally."
The largest United Club in the system
Part of the Terminal B expansion project includes the introduction of a new United Club, set to be the largest in the system. It is one of the eight United Club locations that have opened in the last two years.
Early Bag Storage facility
The expansion at IAH also includes a baggage system. United revealed plans to create an Early Bag Storage facility that will be fully operational in early 2024. The facility will have a capacity of more than 3,300 trays to store passengers’ baggage when they arrive early before departure or have a long layover. United said that the system will prioritize the release of baggage according to flight time, with the goal of making the baggage delivery reliable and seamless. The system can process 40 bags per minute, putting through 80,000 bags per day.
A321neo Joins the Fleet
United's new Airbus A321neo had its inaugural flight from Houston on November 30, the first Airbus in the fleet since 2002. The aircraft boasts an advanced cabin interior, including Panasonic's NEXT inflight entertainment system, offering a 13-inch, 4K screen and curated content options. Passengers can also access a more detailed flight timeline, a 3D map with destination guides and onboard food and beverage menus.
The A321neo offers:
- United's domestic first-class seat, with wireless charging and more privacy
- Larger overhead bins
- High-speed Wi-Fi with streaming capabilities
- Bluetooth connectivity
- LED lighting
The A321neo joins the fleet as part of the United Next growth strategy. The airline is set to take delivery of 800 narrow-body and wide-body aircraft between 2023 and the end of 2032. It is simultaneously retrofitting existing narrow-body aircraft with United's Signature Interior.
