United Airlines' 'Gates of the Future' Transforms Denver International Airport Experience
Denver International Airport (DEN), already one of the busiest and fastest-growing airports in the United States, recently completed a significant modernization effort in partnership with United Airlines through the "Gates of the Future" (GOTF) project. This transformation is part of United's larger nationwide initiative to enhance its presence across all eight of its U.S. hubs.
The project, which officially wrapped up in September 2024, refreshed 60 gates—47 within Concourse B and 13 in the South Finger Regional Gates—delivering a new level of comfort, technology integration, and accessibility for United customers. The effort was completed early, under budget, and with zero lost-time safety incidents or flight delays. This success was made possible through careful coordination among United Airlines, Denver International Airport, and general contractor Swinerton.
A Strategic Need and Broad Scope
United Airlines’ "United Next" growth strategy underpins the GOTF initiative. As the world’s largest airline by available seat miles and the largest carrier in Colorado, United identified Denver as a focal point for investment. According to Russell Carlton, United Airlines Corporate Communications Manager, the GOTF project supports a broader roadmap to improve every phase of the customer journey—from new aircraft and digital tools to revamped gate areas.
“Denver is home to United’s fastest-growing hub,” Carlton said. “We operate over 500 daily departures from DEN and have invested nearly $1 billion to improve the experience, including new gates, clubs, and a check-in lobby. The Gates of the Future project is a cornerstone of that vision.”
The timing also aligned with DEN’s own Vision 100 plan, which aims to responsibly scale airport infrastructure to serve 100 million passengers by the end of the decade. GOTF not only supported the airport’s growth goals but also complemented its aesthetic direction, known as "simple, modern West," featuring clean lines, white walls, and DEN’s signature Ultraviolet Purple.
Design, Construction, and Execution in a Live Environment
Executing a large-scale renovation in one of the nation’s busiest airports required meticulous planning. Swinerton served as the general contractor, completing the work in gate area groups—defined sections of the concourse encompassing two to three gates each. This phasing allowed crews to maintain daily flight operations without closing any gate areas.
“The most challenging aspect was the requirement that no gate areas could be closed,” said Bradley Monson, project executive at Swinerton. “Most of our work was performed during a set window of time overnight when flights were not as active. Airlines operate 24/7, so adhering to timeline structures was an important aspect of our work.”
Swinerton coordinated construction and flight schedules weekly and daily with United, adjusting in real-time to delays or unexpected arrivals to stay on track. To maintain high safety standards, the project deployed a comprehensive safety plan that included pre-installation meetings, daily pre-task planning, and periodic safety manager site visits and evaluations. “All personnel had stop-work authority,” Monson noted. “That empowered everyone to take immediate action if anything seemed unsafe.”
Construction zones were secured using signage, temporary controls, and staff support when needed. Tools like riding carpet scrapers and HEPA vacuums controlled dust, while thorough overnight cleaning ensured the gate areas reopened clean and safe each morning.
Swinerton also worked closely with subcontractors and United’s Digital Technology team to pre-run ramp level infrastructure before concourse installations. This sequencing allowed the installation of dynamic queuing signage, self-service kiosks, and upgraded Wi-Fi without affecting flight operations.
Accessibility, Sustainability, and Lessons Learned
One of the key values behind GOTF was inclusivity. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires five percent of seating to be accessible, this project achieved up to seven percent. Circular banquettes were added to dampen sound and provide a sense of privacy, while open seating at the front of gates ensures passengers who use wheelchairs can board easily.
“Throughout the project, we worked closely with United Airlines to ensure ADA requirements were met and exceeded,” Monson said.
Sustainability was also prioritized. Swinerton collaborated with United and subcontractors to repurpose or recycle removed materials. All carpet was recycled, and most furniture was reused at other airports or dismantled and recycled.
A notable challenge emerged when DEN’s custom carpet yarn was discontinued. All parties worked together to develop a new standard design, used for the first time on this project. Another unexpected design shift came when building code changes required alterations to egress pathways, resulting in about 450 new furniture pieces being stored for future use.
“To stay flexible in live airport environments, it’s crucial to allow for adjustments in real-time,” Monson said. “Working in multiple gate area groups gave us the flexibility to stay productive even when flight schedules shifted.”
Carlton emphasized the outcome: “We’re not just improving how gates look; we’re enhancing how passengers experience every moment of their journey.”
Funding and Future Outlook
The Gates of the Future project was funded as part of United Airlines’ nearly $1 billion investment in its Denver operations. While not supported directly by federal or state grants, this privately funded initiative aligns with DEN’s publicly funded Vision 100 improvements and contributes to the overall modernization of the airport.
United’s footprint in Denver continues to grow. With three new United Clubs—including the largest in the airline’s network—35 additional flights, and six new routes added as part of the expansion, the GOTF project positions the airline and the airport to handle future demand efficiently and with a renewed focus on customer satisfaction.
Looking ahead, both United and Denver International Airport view this collaboration as a model for future hub improvements.
“Gates of the Future is not just a project—it’s a commitment,” Carlton said. “A commitment to Denver, to our passengers, and to setting the bar higher for what air travel should feel like.”
“The most challenging aspect was the requirement that no holdrooms could be closed,” said Bradley Monson, project executive at Swinerton. “All work was performed during limited overnight hours when flights weren’t active. It required a carefully coordinated schedule with United and DEN operations.”
Swinerton adapted construction around flight schedules on a nightly basis. This approach included shifting work to available gates when unexpected delays or arrivals altered the planned schedule.
To maintain high safety standards, the project deployed a comprehensive safety plan that included pre-installation meetings, daily pre-task planning, and on-site oversight by safety managers. “All personnel had stop-work authority,” Monson noted. “That empowered everyone to take immediate action if anything seemed unsafe.”
The team also took care to minimize disruption to passengers. Equipment like riding carpet scrapers and HEPA vacuums helped control dust, and holdrooms were cleaned thoroughly before gates opened at 5 a.m. each day. Temporary signage and physical controls were used to ensure passenger safety during active work.
Technology integration was another hallmark of the project. New gate podiums, dynamic queuing signage, improved Wi-Fi, and self-service kiosks were added throughout the gate areas. Swinerton coordinated with United’s Digital Technology team and electrical/data subcontractors to complete infrastructure work on the ramp level in advance of overnight concourse installations.
“In many ways, the technology upgrades are just as important as the physical renovations,” Carlton said. “Digital signage, for example, now provides real-time boarding updates, gate information, and customized connection details—streamlining communication and reducing clutter.”
Accessibility, Sustainability, and Lessons Learned
One of the key values behind GOTF was inclusivity. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires five percent of seating to be accessible, this project achieved up to seven percent. Circular banquettes were added to dampen sound and provide a sense of privacy, while open seating at the front of gates ensures passengers who use wheelchairs can board easily.
“Throughout the project, we worked closely with United to exceed ADA requirements wherever feasible,” Monson said. “We also incorporated features like tables that allow wheelchair users to sit side-by-side with others rather than at the ends.”
Despite changes and surprises—including a mid-project shift in building department review of egress pathways that sidelined 450 pieces of new furniture—the team remained agile. “All parties came together quickly to adjust holdroom layouts and keep the schedule on track,” Monson said.
Carlton emphasized the broader impact: “We’re not just improving how gates look; we’re enhancing how passengers experience every moment of their journey.”
Funding and Future Outlook
The Gates of the Future project was funded as part of United Airlines’ nearly $1 billion investment in its Denver operations. While not supported directly by federal or state grants, this privately funded initiative aligns with DEN’s publicly funded Vision 100 improvements and contributes to the overall modernization of the airport.
United’s footprint in Denver continues to grow. With three new United Clubs—including the largest in the airline’s network—35 additional flights, and six new routes added as part of the expansion, the GOTF project positions the airline and the airport to handle future demand efficiently and with a renewed focus on customer satisfaction.
Looking ahead, both United and Denver International Airport view this collaboration as a model for future hub improvements.
“Gates of the Future is not just a project—it’s a commitment,” Carlton said. “A commitment to Denver, to our passengers, and to setting the bar higher for what air travel should feel like.”
