Jeff Fegan, Chief Executive Officer of DFW International Airport, announced last week that the airport will embark upon a 7-year, $1.8 billion construction program to begin the week after Superbowl 2011. During this Terminal Development Program, all terminals, except the new Terminal D, which was completed in 2005, will be completely renovated.
“The terminals were built 40 years ago, and their internal systems need replacement,” Fegan explained. “The renovation of these terminals is critical for the Airport’s long term outlook, because this project will keep DFW highly attractive to customers and cost-effective for airlines well into the 21st century.” The airport will be investing about $400 million per terminal.
“While we do this ground-up restoration, we will change out a lot of the functional areas, concessions, and security checkpoints,” Fegan added. “The airline industry has changed so much – ticket counters aren’t really needed anymore.” Plans also call for the replacement of all terminal systems such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, conveyance and telecommunications. All the escalators will be replaced with high-capacity elevators. Outside the terminal, there will be parking and curbside enhancements.
“We really want to drive efficiency of operations and energy efficiency,” Fegan stated. “The renovation of these terminals is critical for the Airport’s long term outlook, because this project will keep DFW highly attractive to customers and cost-effective for airlines well into the 21st century.”
Each of the older DFW Airport terminals is composed of three sections. According to the preliminary schedule, work will commence in only one section of a terminal to allow continuity of airline operations. This staggered schedule will allow multiple terminals to be renovated concurrently.
Submitted by Liz Moucka