Fueling the Future at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Leaders from IAH Fuel, the fuel consortium of airline partners at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), joined airport leaders this week to celebrate the successful completion of the airport's new fuel facility designed and built by Burns & McDonnell on behalf of the airlines.

The facility marks the end of a comprehensive fuel program, one encompassing a series of strategic upgrades and expansions that underscore a commitment to maintaining world-class infrastructure and fostering sustainable development within the aviation industry.

“The completion of this fuel program marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, ensure safety and accommodate future growth demands at IAH,” says Janet Peters, director of fuel supply at United Airlines and chair of IAH Fuel.

Key highlights of the fuel program include:

Storage Expansion: Two new above-ground jet fuel tanks, with a total added storage volume of 112,000 barrels (4.7 million gallons), bolster the airport’s ability to meet the increasing demands of air traffic. Proactive planning was implemented for the potential installation of two additional tanks, laying the groundwork for future scalability.

Hydrant Pump System Upgrades: Significant enhancements include the installation of new into-hydrant pump pads and the construction of a custom-designed power distribution center (PDC). Additionally, the obsolete programmable logic control system was replaced with state-of-the-art technology utilizing variable frequency drives (VFDs), modernizing pump system control logic and optimizing operational efficiency.

Administration and Maintenance Building Renovations: Recognizing the importance of supporting a positive workplace environment, a 2,400-square-foot remodel of the fueling administrative building and a 6,000-square-foot renovation of the maintenance buildings have been completed with notable additions including a new dedicated training room for operations and maintenance personnel.

"After investing in these critical upgrades and renovations, IAH Fuel has strengthened the airport's position as a leading hub for air travel, facilitating the sustained growth of our airline partners and enhancing their ability to meet the needs of the traveling public,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System. "These strategic improvements not only bolster operational reliability and efficiency but also underscore IAH's dedication to delivering a seamless passenger journey."

“Burns & McDonnell is proud to deliver this state-of-the-art fuel facility for the airport, IAH Fuel and its airline partners,” says Mark Lundquist, Burns & McDonnell project manager for the IAH fuel program. “We were honored to be the trusted partner and provide insight into IAH’s future needs and look forward to seeing the growth and success the airport achieves with these updated facilities and infrastructure.”