Airlines

United Airlines, to Invest more than $2B in Terminal B Transformation

United Airlines and the Houston Airport System announced the Terminal B Transformation Programme, a landmark investment in United’s hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

This ambitious project aims to redefine air travel and meet the needs of an estimated 36 million passengers in the future. The programme includes the construction of 40 new domestic and international gates, ensuring that travelers have a cutting-edge experience.

Travellers will discover new conveniences and amenities throughout their airport experience. The Terminal B transformation includes expanding curbside and roadway capacity, as well as expanding the ticketing lobby and providing passengers with convenience through dynamic signage, intuitive wayfinding systems, and a ground-level check-in area. The third floor will most likely house a streamlined security processing area.

Terminal B South Concourse converting 30 gates

The Terminal B South Concourse project entails converting 30 gates, which currently house smaller, 50-seat regional jets, into larger, two-class regional jets. All flights will be boarded via jet bridge, as opposed to the current terminal.

The Terminal B Transformation Programme is expected to cost more than $1.9 billion, according to United Airlines, and $624 million is expected to be provided by the City of Houston for enabling projects. The Houston City Council authorized and approved a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Houston and United Airlines on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The City of Houston plans to present requests for the appropriation of funds in multiple tranches over the project’s duration to the City Council for approval.

Construction and design

The IAH Terminal B Transformation Program, spearheaded by the seasoned Program Management team at AvAirPros and STV, comprises three pivotal components:

The Terminal B arrival and departure hall is designed by Page, a full-service design, architecture and engineering firm based in Houston; and Grimshaw Architects, a London-based architectural firm and will be constructed by Clark Construction.
The Terminal B Concourses were designed by PGAL, a Houston-based international design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and engineering, and to be built by Manhattan Construction, a Houston-based company.
The Baggage Handling System, will be designed by Siemens’, employing their expertise in the design and construction of these highly technical systems.

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.