Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and American Airlines have announced plans to develop a sixth terminal, providing a long-term commitment from the airline and opportunities for business and customers in the region.
The plans call for DFW Airport to invest up to $3-$3.5 billion in terminal improvements, including the construction of Terminal F and enhancements to Terminal C.
The identified site south of Terminal D provides significant flexibility for phasing in the number of gates for Terminal F, with a long-term projection of up to 24 gates, as according to the airport, demand for additional facilities is warranted. Design work for Terminal F will begin immediately, and DFW and American will explore several different options for the layout.
DFW and American expect the details to be finalised as part of a new airlines lease agreement for DFW that is being negotiated. DFW and American anticipate the investment to be financed by bonds and repaid through airlines rates and charges over the life of the bonds.
“Today’s announcement sets the stage for DFW Airport’s next 50 years,” said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport. “The new Terminal F and the expansion that could follow will provide the region with the growth it needs to compete with international business centres. The airport is growing faster than ever, and it needs to keep pace with the Dallas-Fort Worth economy to provide jobs and connections for businesses and families. We’re grateful to Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Board Chairman Bill Meadows for their leadership. I want to especially recognise American for its commitment to DFW Airport. We look forward to working together to deliver what will be an efficient, modern terminal with a state-of-the-art customer experience.”
“This is an exciting day for American and our more than 31,000 team members who call Dallas-Fort Worth home,” added American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “American enjoys a wonderful relationship with the City of Fort Worth, the City of Dallas and DFW Airport, and we thank Mayor Price, Mayor Rawlings, and Sean and the entire DFW team for being such great partners. DFW is American’s largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network. The plans we’re announcing today will allow for the continued growth of DFW and ensure the airport remains a premier gateway for American for many more years to come.”
The design of Terminal F is expected to accommodate a changing aviation industry as DFW utilises innovative technologies to facilitate the movement of customers, maintain cost efficiencies for airlines and improve operational performance.
Moreover, DFW and American plan to significantly improve the customer experience at Terminal C, bringing it in line with Terminals A, B and E, which were renovated in 2018 with redesigned check-in areas, larger security checkpoints, expanded concessions spaces, and improved lighting and flooring.
DFW welcomed a record 69 million customers in 2018, and the airport anticipates more passengers and air service to be added in the next two years than in the past two decades. Moreover, American Airlines has expanded with additional DFW service, and by June 2019, the airline will operate more than 900 daily flights from the airport.
