TRANSFORMING AIR TRAVEL
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AT HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM
BUSINESS TIMES
HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM
HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM
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
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 man-
aging 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.
Jim Szczesniak, Director, Houston Airport System
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.”
www. fentress architects.com
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 in-
cludes 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 instal-
lation 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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
