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United and Houston Airport System Begin Redevelopment Project at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport

GROUNDBREAKING STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TERMINAL B SOUTH CONCOURSE

HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Houston Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston Airport System, in partnership with United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), today broke ground on the first phase of a three-phase redevelopment project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Phase one of the project, to be completed in 2013, will create a new Terminal B south concourse dedicated to regional jet operations.

The $160 million south concourse project will replace the existing south side flight stations with a new 225,000 square-foot facility to accommodate United’s regional aircraft. At nearly four times the size of the existing space, the new concourse will provide a better customer experience, as it will feature modern and expanded gate lounge areas, concessions and restroom facilities.

Travelers will access the new concourse from the terminal via a 95-foot-wide bridge with 13,000 square feet of food, beverage and retail concessions – a 500-percent increase in concession space over the current facility. The concourse will feature 28-foot-high floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering expansive tarmac views from spacious central passenger lounge areas with durable and modern interior finishes.

“As I noted in my inaugural address, creating jobs for Houstonians is my number-one job for the next two years,” said Mayor Parker. “Phase one of this billion-dollar investment with United is the first delivery on that promise. We celebrate the boost to our local economy that will result from this investment. Houston will thrive as our global gateway expands to include more flights and greater access to business connections around the world.”

“Houston is our largest hub and a vital international gateway in United’s network,” said Pete McDonald, United’s executive vice president and chief operations officer. “This investment in the Houston hub will allow us to accommodate more customers and more aircraft types, provide new amenities for travelers and improve efficiencies for the new United.”

Plans for future phases of the $1 billion redevelopment project include redevelopment of the central Terminal B lobby and baggage claim areas, a new international-capable north concourse for mainline and regional jets, a new Terminal B Federal Inspections Services (FIS) facility and infrastructure improvements.

The entire three-phase redevelopment project is planned over the next seven to 10 years, based on demand.

The project’s design incorporates energy-efficient techniques using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria.

The Houston Airport System is partnering with United on the project and the new construction will be a significant investment in the local economy by creating many jobs.

“Bush Intercontinental is the first impression many people have of Houston,” said Mario C. Diaz, director of the Houston Airport System. “We exist to connect people, businesses and economies around the world, and this project will allow for an enhanced customer experience and a stronger gateway for our air service needs.”

About George Bush Intercontinental Airport

The Houston Airport System (HAS) served more than 49.5 million passengers in 2010. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the 7th busiest airport in the nation and more than 40.4 million passengers traveled through the five-runway, five terminal airport. Seventeen airlines offer nonstop flights from IAH to more than 170 destinations worldwide including nonstop flights and connections to more destinations in Mexico than any other airport in the nation. For more information, visit fly2houston.com or follow us on Twitter @ IAH.

About United Continental Holdings, Inc.

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) is the holding company for both United Airlines and Continental Airlines. Together with United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection, these airlines operate an average of 5,717 flights a day to 376 airports on six continents from their hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark Liberty, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United and Continental are members of Star Alliance, which offers more than 21,200 daily flights to 1,185 airports in 185 countries. United and Continental’s more than 80,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. For more information about United Continental Holdings, Inc., go to UnitedContinentalHoldings.com. For more information about the airlines, see united.com and continental.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook.

January 23, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Boeing Delivers Two 777-300ERs to Saudi Arabian Airlines

“The new order reiterates our confidence in the 777 which has justifiably earned a reputation for its improved fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort,” said H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines. “With the ongoing growth of business and industry in Saudi Arabia, demand in domestic, regional and international travel is also increasing rapidly and the 777-300ER will play a significant role in our long-term strategy growth to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes.”
Airline announces order for eight 777-300ERs

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) reached a major milestone with Saudi Arabian Airlines when it delivered the airline’s first two 777-300ERs (extended range), marking another step forward in Boeing’s historic and enduring relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the delivery ceremony, Saudi Arabian Airlines also announced an order for eight 777-300ERs valued at $2.4 billion at current list prices. This order was previously accounted for on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website in 2011.

“The new order reiterates our confidence in the 777 which has justifiably earned a reputation for its improved fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort,” said H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines. “With the ongoing growth of business and industry in Saudi Arabia, demand in domestic, regional and international travel is also increasing rapidly and the 777-300ER will play a significant role in our long-term strategy growth to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes.”

The partnership between Boeing and Saudi Arabia dates back to 1945 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented a DC-3 Dakota airplane to King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the founder of the Kingdom. Saudi Arabian Airlines took delivery of its first 777, a 777-200ER, in December 1997 and currently owns and operates 23 Boeing 777-200ERs.

“We are grateful for the confidence Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed in the 777 and in Boeing,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We will continue working closely with the airline to provide the best commercial aircraft and services to support its plans for growth, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Saudi Arabia by supporting the Kingdom’s goals for technology development and education.”

The 777-300ER extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).The 777-300ER offers airlines additional flexibility in serving the nonstop routes that passengers demand. Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.

I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Delta Named Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airline

Airline highlighted by PCWorld for airport recharging stations, in-flight Wi-Fi, mobile apps, use of social media

ATLANTA, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has been named “Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airline” by PCWorld magazine for its airport recharging stations, in-flight Wi-Fi on more domestic flights than any other carrier and smartphone apps with innovative features including baggage tracking and airport check-in. The publication also highlighted Delta’s 24-hour customer service via Twitter from @DeltaAssist, as well as the ability to book tickets directly from Facebook.

“We’re providing customers with technology tools to keep them connected during their travel experience on the ground and in the air,” said Bob Kupbens, Delta’s vice president – eCommerce. “When you literally have the tools in the palm of your hand to track your bag at 30,000 feet or check the status of your connecting flight, it helps eliminate the stress of travel and puts customers in control.”

Delta’s tech-friendly offerings are part of the airline’s previously announced plan to invest more than $2 billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013.

Installation of branded recharging stations in Delta’s top 19 airports, including all of its domestic hubs, was complete in 2010. Wi-Fi is available on all of Delta’s domestic mainline aircraft, and installation on all of its two-class regional jets will be complete by the end of March 2012. When completed, customers will have access to in-flight Wi-Fi on more than 800 aircraft flying 3,000 daily domestic flights every day.

The popular Fly Delta app was launched on the iPhone in the fall of 2010. BlackBerry, Android and Windows versions followed soon after.  The apps provide eBoarding check-in options in 79 cities worldwide, the ability to track and pay for bags, alerts for updated travel information, airport and aircraft details, and a parking reminder.

Delta’s Ticket Counter allows Facebook users to book travel or check-in for their upcoming flight using a dedicated “tab” at facebook.com/delta without navigating to delta.com. Innovative tools like the Delta Away We Go app lets customers share and plan their travel with family and friends. Delta has continued to expand its social interaction with customers on twitter.com/delta, blog.delta.com and also provides real-time travel assistance at twitter.com/deltaassist in English and twitter.com/deltaassist_ES in Spanish.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 341 destinations in 61 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.