George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

[yaga]

New Building to House Project Management Operations Important Stop on IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program Journey

 

The scope of the project includes:

• New Terminal D facilities
• Terminal roadway improvements
• New airside packages (ramp areas)
• Training center
• Federal Inspection Service (FIS) modifications
• New Terminal C North, ramp and apron completed by United Airlines
• Enabling projects: Program Management Office building, site utilities, and Terminal D baggage handling system modifications.

[Slick Vik]

Interjet starting IAH-BJX June 22. There is huge demand here as United runs 4 flights a day.

[wxman]

As you enter IAH from JFK blvd, you'll notice all the signs along the left side of the road directing you to the one of the terminals based on your airline. I noticed yesterday that there is another Terminal D airlines sign that is up (and blank) but I assume they are anticipating more foreign flags soon. Any word on anything heading our way this year?

[wilcal]

On 3/28/2018 at 7:20 PM, Slick Vik said:

Interjet starting IAH-BJX June 22. There is huge demand here as United runs 4 flights a day.

 

Looks like initial fares are right at $300 RT while United is asking $638. 

 

Interjet is also flying the Sukhoi Superjet on the route. They are one of the few north american airlines using the SSJ100 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Superjet_100

 

It holds 93 versus United's 4X daily service with EMB-175 aircraft which have 76 seats. 

 

 

[houstontexasjack]

On 4/19/2018 at 1:00 PM, wxman said:

As you enter IAH from JFK blvd, you'll notice all the signs along the left side of the road directing you to the one of the terminals based on your airline. I noticed yesterday that there is another Terminal D airlines sign that is up (and blank) but I assume they are anticipating more foreign flags soon. Any word on anything heading our way this year?

Looks like Ethiopian secures 5th freedoms to operate IAH-Accra-Addis Ababa. No start date announced yet:

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/newsroom.aviator.aero/ethiopian-airlines-secures-rights-for-direct-flights-between-accra-and-texas/amp/

[wxman]

Does anybody have access to the Houston Business Journal? Apparently United is planning more domestic and international routes out of IAH. I'd be curious as to where.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/05/21/exec-united-expects-more-nonstop-service-between.html

[HoustonBoy]

I hope they’re considering a large expansion as they continue to cut routes from IAH to Mexico (Huatulco, Villahermosa, Mazatlan) according to wiki. I wonder if there will be an influx of business and flight routes as oil continue to creep towards $100 a barrel.

[yaga]

From www.airliners.net

 

At a recent event in Houston, Scott Kirby told attendees in the coming years UA could add new nonstop service to 20 new cities from IAH including international destinations. He also stated UA is growing IAH and expects to hit 700 flights a day up from 540 although no time frame was given for when we should expect IAH to hit the 700 mark.

[Slick Vik]

On 4/30/2018 at 4:37 PM, wilcal said:

 

Looks like initial fares are right at $300 RT while United is asking $638. 

 

Interjet is also flying the Sukhoi Superjet on the route. They are one of the few north american airlines using the SSJ100 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Superjet_100

 

It holds 93 versus United's 4X daily service with EMB-175 aircraft which have 76 seats. 

 

 

 

The flight has disappeared 

[KinkaidAlum]

Delayed due to aircraft shortage. Route will start late in the Fall/Early Winter.

[wxman]

I read on wikipedia (such a reliable source, I know) says that as of August 2018, Emirates will add another flight (?) to Houston that will continue on to Caracas, Venezuela. Is this big news? If so, I'm sort of underwhelmed. 

 

I'm surprised at the lack of new flights/carriers at IAH this year. Does anybody else feel that way?

[UtterlyUrban]

8 hours ago, wxman said:

I read on wikipedia (such a reliable source, I know) says that as of August 2018, Emirates will add another flight (?) to Houston that will continue on to Caracas, Venezuela. Is this big news? If so, I'm sort of underwhelmed. 

 

I'm surprised at the lack of new flights/carriers at IAH this year. Does anybody else feel that way?

Venezuela?  I was there many decades ago.  It was good then (not great but good).  But, thanks to the socialist kleptocracy it is now essentially a failed state that is no longer safe for foreigners or locals.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/venezuela-travel-advisory.html

 

i wish the airline good luck selling tickets.

[Houston19514]

2 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

Venezuela?  I was there many decades ago.  It was good then (not great but good).  But, thanks to the socialist kleptocracy it is now essentially a failed state that is no longer safe for foreigners or locals.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/venezuela-travel-advisory.html

 

i wish the airline good luck selling tickets.

 

Yeah.  That seems very unlikely.  So unlikely that it sounds more like something would read on The Onion.  ;-)

[wxman]

A friend of mine who works at United said that we can expect some new non-stop European flights soon! I was told of some but am not at liberty to post it.

[102IAHexpress]

Once United starts delivering 787-10 to EWR later this year, then I could see how that will open up extra aircraft for the other United hubs, including IAH. -If- IAH will indeed get more United European routes then I hope it's something other than Paris. It's fun to speculate, but United has a lot of hubs with a lot of needs, lets hope IAH doesn't get left out. 

[wxman]

Paris is one.

 

We we’re chatting and he said “hey, we’re getting new international non stops on United. He said a list went out to employees.

 

i said “Mexico?” (Sigh)

he said, “no....European places.”

 

He said there are several. We’ll see.

[UtterlyUrban]

These would be nice:

 

IAH to Paris

IAH to Berlin

IAH to zurich

IAHto Vienna

IAH to Milan

 

Actually, what I would really want is for the international flights from the Entire NY Hub (and most of Washasington DC’s) to be picked up and moved to Houston.  That would be good!!!  Oh, and they could toss in Chicago and San Fran too.  One giant superhub that would allow me to always flight direct.  YES!  

 

Oh, I will put the ‘ludes down now.

[Ross]

I hadn't read about United dropping the IAH-CDG route while trying to spite Houston for giving Southwest the international stuff out of Hobby. That was pretty stupid.

[ToryGattis]

20 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

These would be nice:

 

IAH to Paris

IAH to Berlin

IAH to zurich

IAHto Vienna

IAH to Milan

 

Actually, what I would really want is for the international flights from the Entire NY Hub (and most of Washasington DC’s) to be picked up and moved to Houston.  That would be good!!!  Oh, and they could toss in Chicago and San Fran too.  One giant superhub that would allow me to always flight direct.  YES!  

 

Oh, I will put the ‘ludes down now.

 

Lol. The logical ones would be Paris, Vienna (Star Alliance partner Austrian hub), Zurich (partner Swiss hub), and Brussels (partner hub).

[102IAHexpress]

 

2 hours ago, ToryGattis said:

 

Lol. The logical ones would be Paris, Vienna (Star Alliance partner Austrian hub), Zurich (partner Swiss hub), and Brussels (partner hub).

 

I'm worried about United and AF competing on IAH-CDG. AF is my favorite euro carrier out of IAH (at least when I'm flying on my own dime). Their premium economy product is the best out of IAH. Not just the seats, but overall on the plane and at the airport it's a damn good product. I would hate for AF to reduce frequency at IAH or leave all together. 

 

[Ross]

50 minutes ago, 102IAHexpress said:

 

 

I'm worried about United and AF competing on IAH-CDG. AF is my favorite euro carrier out of IAH (at least when I'm flying on my own dime). Their premium economy product is the best out of IAH. Not just the seats, but overall on the plane and at the airport it's a damn good product. I would hate for AF to reduce frequency at IAH or leave all together. 

 

I flew Air France a lot in the early 90's, and it sucked, big time.  CDG has always been the worst airport in the Free World, especially if you are flying to Africa.The CDG staff are awful,in 2000 we had one security agent tell an entire Continental flight "You stupid Americans, I hope your flight doesn't go today", after the previous day flight had been cancelled due to mechanical issues. Maybe they've changed.

[ToryGattis]

1 hour ago, 102IAHexpress said:

 

 

I'm worried about United and AF competing on IAH-CDG. AF is my favorite euro carrier out of IAH (at least when I'm flying on my own dime). Their premium economy product is the best out of IAH. Not just the seats, but overall on the plane and at the airport it's a damn good product. I would hate for AF to reduce frequency at IAH or leave all together. 

 

 

Well, they both had it for many years just fine.  My understanding is that AF is pretty safe because they have the Schlumberger corporate contract.

 

Here's what I think it comes down to, once you get beyond European cities in the oil business: which Europeans are doing business in Mexico and Central America? Because Houston is the ideal connecting hub for that from Europe. There are some car plants in Mexico (inc. VW), but I don't know what else beyond that. 

[102IAHexpress]

1 hour ago, ToryGattis said:

 

Well, they both had it for many years just fine.  

 

I think for just two? Continental merged with United in 2010 then United cut IAH CDG in 2012. It is true Continental and Air France operated the route just fine for many years but I assume that was because they were both SkyTeam partners. Actually, I think United's and Continental's combined operating certificate was not complete 'till late 2011, so AF may have still been benefitting from a CO code share even after the corporate merger but before the "FAA" merger. But I may be misremembering. Now, in 2018 they are competitors in every way. In my opinion I would rather have AF fly the route that UA. I am not a huge fan of UA. 

[102IAHexpress]

2 hours ago, Ross said:

I flew Air France a lot in the early 90's, and it sucked, big time.  CDG has always been the worst airport in the Free World, especially if you are flying to Africa.The CDG staff are awful,in 2000 we had one security agent tell an entire Continental flight "You stupid Americans, I hope your flight doesn't go today", after the previous day flight had been cancelled due to mechanical issues. Maybe they've changed.

 

I agree the French, especially Parisians are rude. But have you flown United lately? It's a nightmare. A rude AF employee doesn't compare to just one UA flight attendant on a power trip. The worst euro carrier on its worst day is far better than the best US carrier on its best day across the Atlantic. CDG I agree with you has issues, but most airports outside of Asia do. When I flew through CDG in March I paid 60 euros to rent a day hotel room inside the Airport. I slept for several hours, took a shower, got refreshed then cleared security in less than 2 minutes (because it was the middle of the afternoon). Made CDG much more pleasant. 

[ToryGattis]

13 hours ago, 102IAHexpress said:

 

I think for just two? Continental merged with United in 2010 then United cut IAH CDG in 2012. It is true Continental and Air France operated the route just fine for many years but I assume that was because they were both SkyTeam partners. Actually, I think United's and Continental's combined operating certificate was not complete 'till late 2011, so AF may have still been benefitting from a CO code share even after the corporate merger but before the "FAA" merger. But I may be misremembering. Now, in 2018 they are competitors in every way. In my opinion I would rather have AF fly the route that UA. I am not a huge fan of UA. 

 

Well, AF certainly has the stronger position, as I'm sure much more of their Paris feed is interested in going to Houston than UA's Houston feed is interested in going to Paris, mainly because of geography. Houston's logical draw zone from the southwest to go on to Paris is pretty weak - mainly Mexico (which would prefer not to connect in the USA) - and there are more logical hubs than Houston to go through from the western USA.  I can see why UA couldn't support the flight.  I'll bet it also filled up with reward tickets, and they might as well send reward fliers from Houston through Chicago, DC, or NYC hubs.

[asubrt]

United is announcing three new European routes tomorrow (San Francisco - Amsterdam, Newark - Naples, and Newark - Prague), but none from IAH. Maybe something else will come later, but United has been launching a lot of new routes lately and Houston seems to be getting shafted (Sydney was obviously a big add but that was launched very early in the year, and since then we’ve only had the minor routes of IAH-Dayton and IAH-Akron while seemingly every other hub has gotten 5-10 new routes at least). Hopefully wxman is correct and we hear something soon, but so far it’s been a disappointing year for IAH routes.

[102IAHexpress]

1 hour ago, asubrt said:

United is announcing three new European routes tomorrow (San Francisco - Amsterdam, Newark - Naples, and Newark - Prague), but none from IAH. Maybe something else will come later, but United has been launching a lot of new routes lately and Houston seems to be getting shafted (Sydney was obviously a big add but that was launched very early in the year, and since then we’ve only had the minor routes of IAH-Dayton and IAH-Akron while seemingly every other hub has gotten 5-10 new routes at least). Hopefully wxman is correct and we hear something soon, but so far it’s been a disappointing year for IAH routes.

 

Beat me to it! 

https://twitter.com/united?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

 

I agree that IAH doesn't always get new routes like some of other hubs but I think the "shaft" should also include allocation of newer aircraft. When including aircraft types, I would say ORD gets shafted the most. Some of the United planes flying out of ORD are junk. 

[asubrt]

54 minutes ago, 102IAHexpress said:

 

Beat me to it! 

https://twitter.com/united?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

 

I agree that IAH doesn't always get new routes like some of other hubs but I think the "shaft" should also include allocation of newer aircraft. When including aircraft types, I would say ORD gets shafted the most. Some of the United planes flying out of ORD are junk. 

 

Yeah I was really just referring to new routes, but IAH did get the 737 MAX 9 which is pretty nice (although in my opinion a bit small for the 7.5 hour IAH-ANC which I flew earlier this month), and it was also the original 787 base I believe, so at least they do tend to deploy some newer aircraft here. 

[kennyc05]

What is the future plan for the subway in the basement?

[mattyt36]

1 hour ago, kennyc05 said:

What is the future plan for the subway in the basement?

 

Extended to downtown, of course.  It'd probably only take 15 minutes longer than at-grade light rail.  (Kidding.)

 

It has to be kept in operation, replaced with moving sidewalks, or replaced with an interterminal bus system--plenty of UA passengers park in one garage, only to arrive in another terminal.  Last time I heard it was to be rebuilt--the problem being all of the parts for the existing train have to be handmade since the technology has been way superseded.  There is no way that it will be replaced as the tunnel would have to be completely rebuilt and expanded between the hotel and A, and, however inefficient, a bus system may be, it'll always win out on a benefit-cost basis.  Plenty more pressing projects at IAH and limited funds.

Edited September 10, 2018 by mattyt36

[kennyc05]

5 minutes ago, mattyt36 said:

 

Extended to downtown, of course.  It'd probably only take 15 minutes longer than at-grade light rail.  (Kidding.)

 

It has to be kept in operation, replaced with moving sidewalks, or replaced with an interterminal bus system--plenty of UA passengers park in one garage, only to arrive in another terminal.  Last time I heard it was to be rebuilt--the problem being all of the parts for the existing train have to be handmade since the technology has been way superseded.  There is no way that it will be replaced as the tunnel would have to be completely rebuilt and expanded between the hotel and A, and, however inefficient, a bus system may be, it'll always win out on a benefit-cost basis.  Plenty more pressing projects at IAH and limited funds.

Thanks for the reply! I used it yesterday for the first it was really underwhelming:(

[mattyt36]

On 10/16/2016 at 8:54 AM, tigereye said:

Architect for new Terminal D to be hired by the end of the fall. Does that mean previous renders were just placeholders and project's design may change with architect hired?

 

Construction by Late 2017

 

https://communityimpact.com/houston/lake-houston-humble-kingwood/development-construction/2016/10/06/iah-plans-4-billion-facelift/

 

I know this is 2 years old but I don't frequent this part of the forum . . . 

 

Major infrastructure projects such as the terminal are planned first.  Any drawings that come with them are conceptual renderings only.  The planning specifications/requirements are then handed over to the designer.  In this case there's not much you can do with the footprint of the building given the constrained site and the geometry necessary to accommodate the taxilanes, but of course the design of the building itself could vary wildly.  (That said, flashy design elements typically get eliminated during the value engineering process.)

 

In any case, I wouldn't take the lack of news on this project to be a positive.  The design team has had, what, 2 years at this point?  I'd imagine there must be major budget concerns or airline support has waned.

 

All of the drawings for the Spaceport, for example, are nothing other than conceptual renderings.

[mattyt36]

Just now, kennyc05 said:

Thanks for the reply! I used it yesterday for the first it was really underwhelming:(

 

It's decent at what it does, if the alternative is nothing.  It was actually built by the Walt Disney Corporation to replace the initial system, which didn't even last 5 years.

 

https://stuckattheairport.com/tag/walt-disney-company/

 

DFW's original train system, airtrans, ended up being quite the bust as well.

[kennyc05]

Just now, mattyt36 said:

 

It's decent at what it does, if the alternative is nothing.  It was actually built by the Walt Disney Corporation to replace the initial system, which didn't even last 5 years.

 

https://stuckattheairport.com/tag/walt-disney-company/

 

DFW's original train system, airtrans, ended up being quite the bust as well.

That's interesting. 

[SkylineView]

I love that weird little train, and the mile long hallway it runs along.

[wilcal]

14 hours ago, SkylineView said:

I love that weird little train, and the mile long hallway it runs along.

 

I think that my favorite design feature is that instead of putting speakers on the train they put them on the ceiling right above the train. The result is a two mile long circle of speakers mounted to the ceiling that play the muzak of the day. 

[Houston19514]

17 hours ago, mattyt36 said:

 

Extended to downtown, of course.  It'd probably only take 15 minutes longer than at-grade light rail.  (Kidding.)

 

It has to be kept in operation, replaced with moving sidewalks, or replaced with an interterminal bus system--plenty of UA passengers park in one garage, only to arrive in another terminal.  Last time I heard it was to be rebuilt--the problem being all of the parts for the existing train have to be handmade since the technology has been way superseded.  There is no way that it will be replaced as the tunnel would have to be completely rebuilt and expanded between the hotel and A, and, however inefficient, a bus system may be, it'll always win out on a benefit-cost basis.  Plenty more pressing projects at IAH and limited funds.

 

The plan is to "Re-life or replace" the subway train system.
• Design Services in FY-2020
• Construction in FY-2022

[mattyt36]

On 9/11/2018 at 10:24 AM, Houston19514 said:

 

The plan is to "Re-life or replace" the subway train system.
• Design Services in FY-2020
• Construction in FY-2022

 

Ah, someone has discovered the ever-illuminating capital budget document!

 

There's obviously a big difference between "re-life" and "replace" . . .

[mattyt36]

The most current publicly available update for the long-term capital plan is at

 

https://www.fly2houston.com/biz/about/investor-relations/

 

Click the down arrow next to "Official Statements"

 

Select "Series 2018AB Official Statement"

 

Go to Appendix A, Report of the Airport Management Consultant

[Naviguessor]

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Airport-officials-fly-new-plans-for-international-13228403.php

 

Looks Like the Airport System has ripped up the replacement plan and is now working on a plan that is more focused on renovation and reworking existing terminals.  Pity. 

[asubrt]

3 hours ago, Naviguessor said:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Airport-officials-fly-new-plans-for-international-13228403.php

 

Looks Like the Airport System has ripped up the replacement plan and is now working on a plan that is more focused on renovation and reworking existing terminals.  Pity. 

 

That is disappointing, but to be fair they've done a great job with B South and C North, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that this will turn out well. And we seem to be pretty stagnant as far as new international carriers go for awhile, so if they add those 6 new gates mentioned then hopefully capacity should be sufficient. Still, would have been nice to see a brand new terminal at IAH.

[wilcal]

4 hours ago, Naviguessor said:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Airport-officials-fly-new-plans-for-international-13228403.php

 

Looks Like the Airport System has ripped up the replacement plan and is now working on a plan that is more focused on renovation and reworking existing terminals.  Pity. 

 

Wow, that kind of sucks. I get combining D and E, but removing parking at E? Really? 

 

Adding baggage for domestic passengers at E is a smart move though. 

[Houston19514]

13 hours ago, Naviguessor said:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Airport-officials-fly-new-plans-for-international-13228403.php

 

Looks Like the Airport System has ripped up the replacement plan and is now working on a plan that is more focused on renovation and reworking existing terminals.  Pity. 

 

Not really true.  The plan still completely replaces the current Terminal D and former C North.

[Houston19514]

As is so often the case, the Chronicle got a lot wrong in that article.  There will still be parking at Terminal E.  They still plan to completely replace the existing Terminal D and former C North.  There are more errors in the article as well, but that's enough for the moment.

 

We will be building a whole new Terminal just as much as under the prior plan.

Edited November 13, 2018 by Houston19514

[Houston19514]

Phase 1:
▪ Refresh Old C North Concourse;
▪ Add Sterile Corridor on East Side of Old C-North.
▪ Construct New Pier D3;

 Demolish Terminal D Garage (the far east end of the parking structure that serves Terminals C and D/E)
▪ New ticketing Hall
▪ New Arrivals / Departures Curbs and Roadway modifications
▪ Modified FIS & Tenants
▪ New Arrivals Hall
▪ Baggage Modifications

 

Phase 2:

Construct New Pier D2; and
▪ Construct New Connector Corridors.
▪ Phased Demolition of Terminal D; and
▪ Construct New East Concessions, VIP Lounges Core.

Complete IH/FIS Build-Out:
▪ 3rd Ticketing Level (relocated FF Airlines)
▪ 2nd Ticketing Level (relocate and expand UAL);
▪ Domestic Reclaim Belts & Basement Build-Out;
▪ Departures Curb Vertical Circulation & Link Bridge;
▪ Relocated Arrivals Curb.

 

Phase 3:

Phased Demolition of Terminal D, C-D Connector and Old C- North;
▪ Construct New Pier D1; and
▪ Construct New West Frontal Gates.

 

The additional 2 levels of new parking will be on top of the parking structure that sits between, and serves, Terminals C and D/E.

 

[Naviguessor]

Thanks for filling in the lacking details. That does sound a quite a bit more comprehensive. I do think that keeping the ticketing levels in the central corridor makes the most sense. I think that putting Terminal D on the north side was a mistake and IAH has been struggling with that decision ever since. Terminal D never even seemed as though it was part of the same airport. 

[Naviguessor]

Some renders of the new Terminal Concept in this article. 

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/bizfeed/article/Redeveloping-the-international-terminal-at-IAH-13235269.php?src=hp_totn#photo-16167066

[houstontexasjack]

Reminds me of Terminal 5 at Heathrow. 

[wxman]

What’s the latest on this redevelopment? Is there a timeline to break ground?

[Houston19514]

19 hours ago, wxman said:

What’s the latest on this redevelopment? Is there a timeline to break ground?

 

There was a presentation to a council committee last month.  Apparently, the first step is, again, the demolition of old C North. The timing indication was that the old C North demolition might be underway next year this time. I believe some of the enabling projects are already underway?

 

The other interesting item from the presentation was that Terminal A is "bursting at the seams", with multiple airlines wanting additional gates in the terminal. One airline wants 6 gates; United has asked for 4 gates; 2 other airlines want at least 2 gates.