George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is set to unveil its highly anticipated Terminal D expansion this month, following several years of construction.   The new Terminal D-West Pier will open on October 22, adding 160,000 square feet to the terminal to meet growing passenger demand, according to the Houston Airport System. The expansion includes six new gates capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft and up to 10 narrow-body planes.  Click to expand The international terminal also provides space for 16 dining concepts, featuring local favorites like The Kitchen and The Annie, alongside national chains such as Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jamba Juice and a LEGO Store, creating an additional 250 jobs.  "The opening of the Terminal D-West Pier is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our partners,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, in a statement. “This world-class facility will provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for millions of passengers each year. The new pier will provide the necessary capacity so Houston can continue to attract more nonstop flights to cities around the globe."  Click to expand Additional amenities include a mother’s room, sensory room, child’s play area, upgraded restrooms, 500 modern lounge seats and eight new art commissions by Houston-based artists, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage and diversity.  "We are focused on improving the overall passenger experience at the airport – from parking and traffic to providing modern terminals with the right amenities,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a statement. “This project is a major investment in our city's future. The newly expanded international terminal enhances Houston's reputation as a world-class city and provides a boost to our economy, supporting jobs and attracting more visitors from around the globe."  This expansion is part of the broader IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), a $1.458 billion investment aimed at modernizing the airport's international travel infrastructure. Earlier phases of the program included the revitalization of the existing Terminal D, which was completed in 2023.  The final component of the program includes the development of the International Central Processor (ICP), which will feature ticketing counters, baggage claims and a 17-lane security checkpoint—set to be one of the largest in the country. According to the Houston Airport System, the ICP will be completed in two phases. Phase one, slated for winter 2025, will include United Airlines relocating its Terminal E operations to the ICP. Phase two, expected in summer 2025, will involve international airlines transitioning their operations to the new facility.  Other critical projects underway at IAH include United Airlines’ $2.6 billion expansion and renovation of Terminal B, which is expected to be completed in 2026.  Learn more about the Houston Airport System during the Partnership’s State of the Airports event on Thursday, Dec. 5. 

bp and NASA have unveiled a new partnership aimed at advancing energy production and space exploration.  Through a Space Act Agreement, a legal agreement that allows NASA to collaborate with companies, universities and other entities, the two organizations will share digital technologies and expertise accumulated over decades of experience working in remote locations. The initial phase of the agreement will focus on enhancing digital models and simulations. These tools help engineers and scientists visualize equipment in extreme environments, such as space and the ocean's depths, where the pair operate.   "bp has built a proud legacy of technological innovation as we deliver the energy the world needs today while investing in the energy system of tomorrow,” said Ken Nguyen, bp’s Principal Technical Program Manager, in a press release. “As NASA pursues a sustained presence on the Moon and Mars, we see a unique opportunity for bp and NASA to work collaboratively on the forefront of digital technology that will cultivate further innovation in energy and space."  bp is making significant strides with similar technologies at Argos, its newest offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The energy company uses cutting-edge tools like augmented and virtual reality, along with digital twin technology, to remotely monitor and operate the platform. Leveraging this expertise, future phases of the partnership could involve sharing insights on remote operating practices, including safety, process control and monitoring and artificial intelligence.  “Both bp and NASA are custodians of deep technical expertise, working in extreme environments – whether that’s at the bottom of the ocean or on the moon,” said Giovanni Cristofoli, SVP for bp Solutions. “Sharing what we know with each other will help us solve complex engineering problems faster, meaning we can focus on keeping energy flowing safely and delivering higher margins with lower emissions.”  This unlikely partnership has set the stage for cross-industry collaborations in the Houston region and will act as a catalyst for further partnerships in two of the city’s key sectors—energy and aerospace.  While the partnership marks a groundbreaking milestone for these industries, it’s not the first time NASA has chosen Houston-area organizations for collaboration. Recently, the space agency granted the University of Houston $5 million to create an aerospace engineering research center. Earlier this year, NASA also selected five Houston-based companies to lead essential research, engineering and mission integration services for the International Space Station Program.    Learn more about Houston’s dynamic energy and aerospace sectors.