United Airlines' Houston Revamp: New Jobs, Expanded Gates, And Latest Airbus A321neo Take Flight

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. UAL revealed growth plans in Houston, including a $2.6 billion renovation and expansion of Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

The company also plans to build a new United ClubSM location, Early Bag Storage facility (EBS), and a new direct flight to Georgetown, Guyana.

The investment also includes the expansion of 40 gates at IAH to accommodate larger aircraft, resulting in a 40% increase in the overall number of people who can fly on peak travel dates in 2026 compared to 2023.  

United, with more than 14,000 employees in Houston, hired more than 2,100 people locally in 2023 and expects to add another 1,500 in 2024. 

This expansion is also expected to create an additional 4,000 construction jobs.

"We are grateful for United, one of the city's largest employers, for creating nearly 4,000 new jobs for our community and enhancing the growing demand for domestic and international travel globally," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Meanwhile, United's new Airbus SE's EADSY A321neo takes its inaugural flight from Houston today. This is the first new Airbus aircraft to enter United's fleet since 2002 and features United's most advanced cabin interior yet.

"United Next is about new investments that improve the customer experience and building careers for the next generation of aviation professionals – and all those things and more are coming to life here in Houston," said CEO Scott Kirby.

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Price Action: UAL shares are trading lower by 1.35% to $38.72 on the last check Thursday.

Photo Via Company