United Airlines is undertaking a transformative $2.55 billion redevelopment of Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to meet the needs of future air travel and accommodate an anticipated 36 million passengers. In partnership with AvAirPros, STV is delivering comprehensive program management services to help realize United’s “United NEXT” vision: a modernized, sustainable terminal environment that enhances customer experience, increases operational efficiency and supports next-generation aircraft.
What challenges are STV addressing?
Terminal B’s original 1969-era facilities were no longer equipped to support modern aircraft, expanded passenger volumes, or evolving sustainability expectations. The airport needs a full-scale redevelopment – delivered within an active, 24/7 operational environment – that will overhaul aging concourses, increase gate capacity, streamline security and baggage operations and integrate new passenger amenities without disrupting daily airline operations.
What solutions are STV delivering?
STV is guiding United through program definition and implementation, providing strategic planning, budgeting, scheduling, operational coordination, project controls, phasing, estimating, document control, and risk, cost and change management. The team led the development of the project’s first-ever Program Definition Manual (PDM), establishing clear scope, logistics and phasing frameworks for this unprecedented initiative. STV is also managing the $16.8 million public art program, engaging artists to enhance the passenger experience and reflect Houston’s cultural fabric.
How will this project benefit Houston and its travelers?
The redeveloped Terminal B will reshape the travel experience with intuitive wayfinding, expanded security, a modernized baggage handling system and new passenger-focused amenities such as a sensory room and interactive park. The project increases terminal capacity with 22 new wide‑body and narrow‑body gates, quadruples check-in counters, and triples curb frontage – all designed with a commitment to LEED Silver certification. These improvements strengthen IAH’s role as a major global hub, support Houston’s growing travel demand and deliver a more sustainable and accessible airport for the region.
Key stats and accolades
- $2.55B terminal redevelopment
- 765,000 sf of new concourse space
- 22 new gates for wide- and narrow-body aircraft
- Delivered within an active 24/7 airport environment
- $16.8M public art program
- First-of-its-kind Program Definition Manual for United Airlines
