George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as the largest hub for Continental Airlines in the world. Terminal B is one of the airport's two original terminals and has been in service since 1969.
According to Houston Mayor Bill White, this joint venture represents Houston's strong economy and healthy corporate environment.
"Houston's Airport System is among the world's strongest and fastest growing and this will help us keep it that way," said Mayor White. "And as we prepare for the future, the City is happy to continue its strong partnership with Continental Airlines."
The project, which is expected to begin later this year, represents a major economic commitment by the City of Houston and Continental Airlines.
"We're making this investment over the next decade despite challenges currently facing the airline industry," said Larry Kellner, Continental Airlines chairman and chief executive officer. "This project is critical to Houston maintaining its status as an international city. Developed in phases, this project will allow us to accommodate more passengers and more flights, provide new amenities for travelers and help secure the careers of our employees."
The multi-phased construction and renovation is scheduled to be completed over the next seven to 10 years and will increase the size of IAH's Terminal B from 360,000 square feet to 1.7 million square feet, and will make it larger than the size of Houston's state-of-the-art baseball stadium, Minute Maid Park.
"Houston continues to evolve as a premier global gateway in the aviation industry. Since 2007 we have added seven new international destinations served by passenger and cargo carriers, including Continental's new service to London's Heathrow," says Richard M. Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. "Dramatic growth is fueling this airport and the Terminal B project represents part of our strategic planning and building effort aimed at making IAH a more compelling and attractive destination." (HAS Communications)
