United Continental Holdings, Inc. : United and Houston Airport System Begin Redevelopment Project at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport

HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- HoustonMayor Annise Parkerthe Houston Airport System, in partnership with United Continental Holdings, Inc.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 millionsouth concourse project will replace the existing south side flight stations with a new 225,000 square-foot facility to accommodate '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 modernexpanded gate lounge areas, concessionsrestroom facilities.

Travelers will access the new concourse from the terminal via a 95-foot-wide bridge with 13,000 square feet of food, beverageretail 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 durablemodern 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 is the first delivery on that promise. We celebrate the boost to our local economy that will result from this investment. Houstonwill thrive as our global gateway expands to include more flightsgreater access to business connections around the world."

"Houstonis our largest huba vital international gateway in 's network," said Pete McDonald, 's executive vice presidentchief operations officer. "This investment in the Houstonhub will allow us to accommodate more customersmore aircraft types, provide new amenities for travelersimprove efficiencies for the new ."

Plans for future phases of the $1 billionredevelopment project include redevelopment of the central Terminal B lobbybaggage claim areas, a new international-capable north concourse for mainlineregional jets, a new Terminal B Federal Inspections Services (FIS) facilityinfrastructure 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 EnergyEnvironmental Design (LEED) criteria.

The Houston Airport System is partnering with on the projectthe 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, businesseseconomies around the world,this project will allow for an enhanced customer experiencea 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 nationmore 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 flightsconnections to more destinations in Mexicothan any other airport in the nation. For more information, visit

About United Continental Holdings, Inc.
United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) is the holding company for both United AirlinesContinental Airlines. Together with United Express, Continental ExpressContinental 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, TokyoWashington, D.C.Continental are members of Star Alliance, which offers more than 21,200 daily flights to 1,185 airports in 185 countries. Continental's more than 80,000 employees reside in every U.S. statein many countries around the world.United Continental Holdings, Inc. or follow on .

SOURCE United Continental Holdings, Inc.

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