Dream big…

When the stated vision of the Houston Airport System (HAS) is the establishment of Houston as a five-star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated, it means that HAS leadership dreams big and acts on those dreams.

Another step in realizing that grand vision was achieved in late March 2018 when Houston became only the third city in the world and the only city in the United States that has two airports with a 4-star or better rating from industry expert Skytrax. Skytrax’s ratings criteria are based on evaluation of product and service standards for both the onboard and airport environments.

Facilities, operations, dining, and much more factor into the criteria for 4-star and 5-star status, and our quest for 5-star status is fully evidenced in the HAS’s ongoing IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). The Program began in 2014 with the selection of an Executive Program Manager (EPM), Turner & Townsend, to lead the redevelopment effort, underneath the guidance of HAS. The EPM is assisted by two Program Management Support Services (PMSS) joint venture teams, the Houston Aviation Alliance (HAA) JV and the Parsons-H.J. Russell JV.

The Houston Aviation Alliance is a JV led by majority partner Stantec Consulting Services Inc., a Canada-based engineering firm. Other JV partners include Gunda Corporation, ESC Polytech Consultants, and Taylor Construction Management. The HAA also consists of more than a dozen other firms, primarily MWBE companies with specialized skills who add significantly to the available talent pool.

Max Shoura serves as Project Manager for the HAA and recently discussed the HAA team along with ITRP’s progress and current state of development. “All of our project partners are very specialized,” Max said, “and have supplied high-quality individuals for our work.”

Max said the ultimate value of ITRP is immeasurable. “The public will see and experience the completed vision of the airport program after it takes shape over many years to come,” he said. “Certainly, the experience for the traveling public will be enhanced after all ITRP’s new airport improvements are finished, with an efficient airport for passenger movement and for management of the operation, and with choices in high-end retail shops and restaurants, right down to simple user-friendly facilities and restrooms.”

He said that tremendous value will be derived from the final product, and in the return on investment for the airport, from the total operation.

Max said he appreciates so many efforts from those involved in the ITRP – HAS, EPM, and the two PMSS teams. “There are so many recognitions to go around,” he said.” He lauded EPM program director Steve Andersen for his commitment to the ITRP and for his hard work and ongoing efforts carry out the vision.

Dream big – but put forth the effort to make that dream come true!