'A merger of aviation and aerospace' | Future of Houston Airports detailed during 2023 State of the Airports
Director Mario Diaz spotlighted the future of city’s airports and Houston Spaceport while celebrating the 1,200 employees who are transforming Houston Airports into an award-winning airport system.
Houston Airports has significantly improved the passenger experience, continues to expand its facilities and is supporting a giant leap in commerical aerospace. According to Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, a thoughtful strategy rooted in innovation and guided by a shift in the organization's culture serves as a long-term flight path to success.
Diaz outlined his strategy, priorities and key measures for success during his keynote address during the Greater Houston Partnership's 2023 State of the Airports. Diaz shares the outlook for the region's airports before a sold-out audience of roughly 600 people.
New destination, more flights boost travel ties between Houston and Mexico
Just in time for the holiday season, passengers will have even more opportunities for non-stop flights to some of the most popular destinations. READ MORE
HOLIDAY TRAVEL PREPS
Five TSA PreCheck myths busted
More than 17 million members value TSA PreCheck for how it streamlines their travel experience, especially at busy times of year like the holidays. But millions more miss out on the program due to common myths about the enrollment and renewal process.
You can only enroll at the airport | Many airports across the country offer on-site TSA PreCheck enrollment centers, although there are more than 600 enrollment centers across the U.S. To find one near you, enter your ZIP code on the TSA website.
It's hard to get an enrollment appointment | With over 600 enrollment locations across the country, appointments are typically close to home and easy to get.
It can take all day to enroll | The TSA PreCheck enrollment application can be completed online in about 5 minutes. This is followed by a 10 minute appointment at your chosen provider that includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture and payment.
TSA PreCheck must be renewed each year | The membership benefits of TSA PreCheck last for 5 years with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.
It takes weeks or months to get approved | Most TSA PreCheck applicants are approved within 3-5 days.
HOLIDAY TRAVEL
From international destinations to domestic hotspots, why now is the most wonderful time of the year to book those 'bucket list' flights
Whether it’s basking on a Caribbean island or soaking up a snowy adventure in Montana, check out our recommendations for great travel destinations this holiday season. READ MORE
SUSTAINABILITY
Houston Airports moves forward in a voluntary global program that strives to mitigate airport carbon emissions
In a proactive commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Bush, Ellington and Hobby airports achieved Level 1 of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program. READ MORE
SPACE
Houston Spaceport celebrates the opening of the Intuitive Machines Lunar Production Facility
The state-of-the-art aerospace facility at the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport was built by Burns & McDonnell will empower Intuitive machines to focus safely on opening access to the Moon for the progress of humanity. READ MORE
PARTNERSHIPS
The Houston Airports Aviation Rick and Regulatory Compliance Division welcomed the Canine Companions Gulf Coast Volunteer Chapter for an airport familiarization tour at Hobby Airport.
Airport employees, airlines and federal agency partners educated the handlers as the dogs train to become certified service animals.
AIRPORT HEROES
Houston Airports honored for making facilities more inclusive and accessible
Houston Airports is a recipient of the 2023 Mayor Turner Champion of Inclusion (COIN) City Department Award. The intentional work done by the Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance Division (ARRC) to create a more inclusive and accessible space is one of the many reasons Houston Airports was selected by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. READ MORE
CONSTRUCTION
Seeing is believing | Travelers get front row view of new terminal under construction at Bush Airport
From the installation of custom trusses along the new international departures curb to the first segments of a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, those visiting Bush Airport will start to see the significant progress that continues to be made on the largest capital improvement project in the history of Houston Airports. READ MORE
VIDEO EXTRA
UPDATE | The first of eight custom leaf trusses is officially installed over the new and expanded international departures curb.
The new curb at Bush Airport will feature 8 trusses, or large-span steel structures. Each weighs 80 tons and is 209 feet long.
ARTS
Renovation of signature monument at Bush Airport
Houston Airports recently completed the renovation of the signature monument to President George H.W. Bush called "Wings of Change." The renovation was done by Houston-area artist David Addickes.
The full conservation included elevating the bronze statue to become ADA compliant, upgrading all text and images and replacing the backlighting of information panels with energy efficient LED fixtures. Look for the statue just after TSA security in Terminal C.
EDUCATION
Texas Southern University expands flight training fleet at Ellington Airport
Texas Southern University recently expanded its flight training fleet at Ellington Airport with the addition of a new Cessna 172. The university now has nine aircraft available to help meet the growing demand of the expanding aviation program. READ MORE
Take in the sights at the 2023 Wings Over Houston. READ MORE
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Houston Airports, passengers mourn sudden death of beloved therapy dog
Houston Airports and its employees at William P. Hobby Airport are saddened by the sudden death of Rebel, a 12 ½-year-old golden retriever that participated in the Houston Airports Therapy Dog program since 2019.
Rebel was known for his colorful wardrobe, which always included a hat. His handler describes Rebel as a “southern gentleman” who regularly visited hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, senior living facilities, Amazon and Hobby Airport. READ MORE
