Business Times Issue 105 | Houston Airports | Oct 24

TRANSFORMING
AIR TRAVEL
INFRASTRUCTURE
UPGRADES AT HOUSTON
AIRPORT SYSTEM
BUSINESS TIMES

HOUS
AIRP
SYST
INFRASTRUCTURE
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FEATURE
TON
ORT
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FEATURE
TRANSFORMING
AIR TRAVEL
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
AT HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM
Project by:
Malvern Kandemwa
Words by:
Michelle Duncan
The Houston Airport System
(HAS) stands as a critical gateway
to one of the most vibrant and
economically dynamic cities in
the United States - Houston, Texas.
With three major airports under
its jurisdiction George Bush
Intercontinental Airport (IAH),
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU),
and Ellington Field Joint Reserve
Base (EFD). HAS is one of the largest
airport systems in the nation.
Leading this expansive and complex
network is Jim Szczesniak,
a seasoned aviation professional
with a strong vision for the future.
Under his leadership, HAS
is undergoing significant transformations
in infrastructure and
technology innovation to meet
the demands of a rapidly evolving
aviation industry.
The Houston Airport System is a
critical transportation hub that
serves millions of passengers
each year. In 2023 alone, the system
handled over 58 million passengers,
solidifying its role as a
major international gateway and
a crucial driver of Houston’s economy.
The business model of HAS
is designed to maximise efficiency
and enhance passenger experience
while fostering economic
growth in the region. The system
operates under the oversight of
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INFRASTRUCTURE
Jim Szczesniak, Director,
Houston Airport System
the City of Houston’s Department
of Aviation, which is responsible
for policy setting, regulatory compliance,
and ensuring the overall
strategic direction aligns with the
city’s broader economic goals.
The operations of the Houston
Airport System are characterised
by a commitment to safety, efficiency,
and customer service. Collectively,
IAH and HOU serve millions
of passengers annually and
offer numerous domestic and
international flights. The operational
framework emphasises the
seamless processing of passengers,
effective management of
cargo logistics, and collaboration
with airlines and other stakeholders
to improve service delivery.
Jim Szczesniak, the current Director
of the Houston Airport System
joined in February 2022 bringing
a wealth of experience in aviation
management and operations. Before
joining HAS, Szczesniak held
several key positions, including
serving as the Airport Director at
Ted Stevens Anchorage International
Airport, the world’s fourth
busiest air cargo airport and gateway
to Alaska. He led initiatives
that significantly enhanced cargo
operations and expanded international
reach. His expertise in managing
complex airport systems
and his strategic vision have been
instrumental in driving HAS’s current
and future growth.
Szczesniak’s leadership style is
characterised by a focus on innovation,
customer service excellence,
and sustainability. Szczesniak has
a track record of implementing airport
growth programs while managing
airports to an award-winning
level of customer service. He is
known for his ability to navigate the
challenges of a rapidly changing
aviation landscape while keeping a
sharp focus on operational efficiency
and strategic partnerships.
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BUSINESS TIMES MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2024

FOOD & DRINK
Fentress Architects is a global leader in airport terminal design,
committed to placing the passenger at the heart of the travel
experience. Our team embraces the belief that every project grows
from its people, place, and purpose. 650 million people visit Fentressdesigned
airports each year, instilling us with a profound sense of
responsibility to create architecture that is uplifting to the human spirit
and enduring in its legacy.
The new International Terminal Complex (ITC) at the
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a celebration of
Houston. Designed by Fentress Architects, the ITC was
inspired by the city’s vibrant urban and natural environments.
As passengers move through the complex, a light-filtering
feature wall bathes the space in dappled sunlight that recalls
the delicate shade patterns created by a live oak canopy, as
seen in the image on the right. This ever-changing light instills
a sense of peace, more like a visit to an urban park than an
airport. A bold copper-colored spine graces the ceiling, as
seen in the image above, alluding to the lush Buffalo Bayou.
Throughout the design, Fentress remained focus on their stated
objective “to establish a continuous identity for the passenger
experience – curb to gate to curb – through interior finishes and
architecture that are inspired by Houston.”
+1.303.722.5000
DENVER | WASHINGTON D.C. | NASHVILLE | HOUSTON | ST. LOUIS | LOS ANGELES | SACRAMENTO
www.fentressarchitects.com

FEATURE
INFRASTRUCTURE
UPGRADES
One of the most significant areas
of focus under his leadership has
been the ongoing infrastructure
upgrades across HAS’s airports.
Recognizing the importance of
modern facilities in enhancing
passenger experience and operational
efficiency, Szczesniak has
spearheaded several key projects
which includes the Terminal Redevelopment
Program at IAH. A
multi-billion-dollar project, this
redevelopment aims to modernise
and expand the airport’s
international terminal, increasing
capacity and improving amenities
for travellers. This project includes
the construction of a new
state-of-the-art terminal that will
replace existing structures, providing
more gates, improved baggage
handling systems, and enhanced
passenger services.
Runway and Taxiway Improvements
to accommodate larger
and more advanced aircraft, HAS
invested heavily in runway and
taxiway enhancements. These
upgrades are designed to improve
safety, reduce delays, and
support the growing demand for
both passenger and cargo flights.
Furthermore, Szczesniak has
placed a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Recent infrastructure
projects have included the installation
of energy-efficient lighting,
the expansion of electric vehicle
charging stations, and the implementation
of water conservation
measures. These efforts are part
of a broader strategy to reduce
the environmental impact of airport
operations.
Another groundbreaking project
is the development of the Ellington
Airport Spaceport. This facility
is positioned to make Houston
a key player in the commercial
space industry, supporting space
tourism, research, and other aerospace
activities. The spaceport
is an example of HAS’s commitment
to innovation and future
growth.
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FEATURE
Houston Airports is moving forward
with a $23 million phased
renovation of restrooms at Bush
Airport and $8 million in phased
renovations of restrooms at Hobby
Airport. The modernization of
facilities at Bush and Hobby airports
will provide a better airport
experience for millions and millions
of travellers annually.
• Houston Airports has plans to
replace flooring, walls, stalls,
lighting, sinks and counters
in each restroom.
• Houston Airports is leveraging
the latest technology to
provide the most efficient,
intuitive and functional experience.
Occupancy sensors
will be installed above each
full-height stall. Technology
within soap and paper towel
dispensers will alert airport
staff to low supply.
• Custodial closets will be
smartly positioned next to
the restrooms for an efficient
response to passenger needs,
and each restroom will better
meet ADA requirements.
• Restroom stalls will also be
bigger. Each stall will include
space for a carry-on suitcase
and a shelf for personal belongings.
• Mirrors along the counters
will be backlit with energy-efficient
LED lighting,
and new artwork and murals
will create a sense of place
that mirrors the carefully curated
ambiance throughout
Houston’s airports.
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INFRASTRUCTURE
“IT’S IMPERATIVE
THAT HOUSTON
AIRPORTS CONTINUE
TO IMPROVE EXISTING
INFRASTRUCTURE TO
MEET INCREASING
DEMAND WHILE ALIGNING
OUR TERMINALS TO
MEET THE MODERN
AND SUSTAINABLE
DESIGN OF THE NEW
IAH INTERNATIONAL
TERMINAL”
“In 2023, Houston Airports welcomed
a record 60.1 million passengers,
with a vast majority flying
through Bush Airport,” said
Szczesniak. “It’s imperative that
Houston Airports continue to improve
existing infrastructure to
meet increasing demand while
aligning our terminals to meet
the modern and sustainable design
of the new IAH international
terminal. The result of these projects
will be a more resilient and
sustainable airport system that
delivers an efficient passenger
experience from curb to gate.”
“We’re partners, working together
to support the consumer—the
passenger,” he says. “In a sense,
we’re joint-venture partners,
sharing the rewards of ensuring
everything runs smoothly.
This means providing excellent
service, maintaining top-notch
facilities, ensuring cleanliness,
operational effectiveness, and
delivering outstanding customer
service in everything we do.”
He also collaborates closely with
regulators, whom he views as essential
partners in ensuring the
smooth operation of airports and
delivering positive customer experiences.
These partnerships extend
to organisations like United
States Customs and Border Protection
and the Transportation
Security Administration, which
handle screening passengers.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT
HOUSTON AIRPORT
SYSTEM
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Strategic partnerships are a cornerstone
of HAS’s success. Under
Szczesniak’s leadership, the airport
system has forged numerous
alliances that have bolstered
its operations and expanded its
influence in the aviation industry.
The relationships between airports
and airlines have historically
been tense. However, he prefers
to see airlines as partners rather
than just customers who rent
space and use services.
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FEATURE
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Houston Airport System
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Terminal B,
2800 N Terminal Road,
Houston, Texas
TX 77032
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