George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will be the home of a brand new, state-of-the-art, world-class training facility.

Along with a new partnership, exciting plans to establish training classes and a facility were announced by the Houston Airport System (HAS), its affiliate HAS Development Corporation (HASDC) and the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), a member of the Texas A&M University System.

“The training aspect of the airport system is important to us and our commitment here in Houston is improving the skill sets of airport managers around the world,” says Rick Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “With this new program, training is going to be extended hugely and in the long run, we’re hoping we can provide degree programs that are aviation based.”

A water arch salute by the IAH Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) team finalized the newly found partnership at ARFF Station 99 just after the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by representatives of HASDC and TEEX.

TEEX is world renowned for its hands-on, customized training. They offer a wide range of technical, skills training programs to workers worldwide ranging from the smallest volunteer fire departments to some of the largest companies in the world.

“We’re proud to be a part of such a world-class organization who is as interested in training and making the workplace safe as we are,” says Gary Sera, director of TEEX. “We’re very committed to making this partnership with HASDC viable and long term not just in Houston, but around the world.”

HASDC, an affiliate of HAS, was established six years ago and offers a wide array of services to airports all around the world. The organization specializes in airport management and operations, business planning and analysis, technical advisors, airport personnel training, transitional planning and assistance, airport terminal development plans, capital project management and retail planning and implementation.

“The demand for airport management, safety and technical personnel is growing immensely,” says Jeff Scheferman, HASDC president. “Our new partnership with TEEX is going to help provide training for airports right here at IAH, unlike any other institution that we’re aware of.”