United Airlines and the Houston Airport System have announced a significant investment in the airline's hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The airline aims to spend more than $1.9 billion in Terminal B Transformation Program, while the City of Houston expects to pay $624 million in program supporting improvements.
On Wednesday, the Houston City Council approved and authorized a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Houston and United. The City of Houston expects to submit proposals for allocation of monies in multiple tranches throughout the project for City Council approval.
The renovation initiative will assist respond to the demands of an expected 36 million passengers by constructing 40 additional domestic and international gates at Terminal B.
The Terminal B renovation will increase curbside and highway capacity, extend the ticketing lobby, and provide passengers with convenience via dynamic signs, smart navigation technology, and a ground-level check-in facility.
The third level of the structure will hold a simplified security screening section. The baggage claim hall will be extended as well, and a new baggage handling system with modern tracking technologies will enable higher capacity.
The announcement comes only days after the Houston City Council reportedly denied United's proposal to refurbish Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Earlier this month, the airline filed an application with the US Department of Transportation to operate daily nonstop flights between Houston and Tokyo's Haneda Airport.