George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal B Redevelopment

To support newer aircraft and increasing passenger volumes, United Airlines aspires to redefine the air travel experience while catering to the future needs of an estimated 36 million passengers with its transformative $2.55 billion redevelopment of Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). On behalf of United, STV, in collaboration with AvAirPros, is providing comprehensive program management services, including strategic planning; budgeting; scope, schedule and operational coordination; phasing; project controls; and administrative planning and implementation encompassing estimating, document control and risk, cost and change management. All work is transpiring within an active, 24/7 airport environment.

The program is consistent with the airline’s “United NEXT” strategy – which aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve customer amenities and accessibility at IAH. The large-scale program consists of demolishing the original circa-1969 flight stations and rebuilding two new concourses, configured to support wide-body and narrow-body aircraft with 22 new gates. The 765,000-square-foot facility expands capacity and encompasses intuitive wayfinding systems and security. New amenities for travelers include a sensory room, an interactive “park” and major concession hubs. The new Terminal B lobby consists of an expanded claim hall and new advanced tracking baggage system; quadruple the number of check-in counters; a significant increase in security lanes and triples the curb frontage for passenger drop off and pick up stations all while striving for LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Silver Certification.

Demonstrating its program management expertise, STV guided United Airlines in developing the program definition manual (PDM) for the effort – the first of its scale in the airline’s history. The PDM outlines the planned schedules, phasing concepts, budgets and other logistical information regarding the proposed scope development. Another part of the team’s public engagement efforts includes leading the management of the $16.8 million public art program for Terminal B that will feature locally and internationally recognized artists and artisans.