Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and its airline and cargo partners have reached new multi-year agreements that will shape the airport’s operations and growth for the next decade. The finalized Airline Use and Lease Agreements and Signatory Cargo Agreements set out the financial structure to support daily activities and AUS’s planned expansion.
These agreements provide a foundation for airport revenue, which will help fund an expansion program now projected to include 32 additional airline gates. They detail major capital projects for the coming ten years, define how airlines’ rates and charges are calculated, and ensure long-term commitments from participating airlines and cargo operators at AUS.
Airlines involved in these agreements include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, FedEx, and UPS. The agreements govern fees related to use of airport-owned facilities such as runways, gates, ticket counters, baggage systems, and aircraft parking. This approach aims to maintain a cost-recovery system that supports ongoing investment in the airport.
Planned projects under these agreements include:
– Concourse B: A new 26-gate concourse intended to handle future passenger increases.
– New Arrivals and Departures Hall: Designed to modernize access points at the airport while expanding baggage claim areas and centralizing TSA screening.
– Concourse M: A six-gate facility aimed at providing more operational flexibility.
– Redevelopment of Concourse A: Updates to existing facilities in the Barbara Jordan Terminal including departures hall, ticket counters, and baggage claim areas.
– Utility Upgrades: Improvements across power, cooling, water supply, and IT infrastructure throughout the campus.
The total scope of expansion has grown as passenger demand rises. The estimated budget for these improvements has increased from $4 billion to over $5 billion.
According to airport officials, “Together, these agreements position AUS to support Central Texas’ continued growth, strengthen regional connectivity, and deliver long-term economic benefits for the Austin business community.”
The Austin Chamber of Commerce guides efforts aimed at enhancing regional economic conditions by fostering community partnerships that encourage mutual prosperity. It supports businesses through events focused on innovation and economic trends while creating an environment where local enterprises can contribute toward inclusive development (official website). The Chamber also promotes inclusive growth for neighborhoods (official website) through collaboration with stakeholders in order to benefit both business interests and community needs.
For more information about upcoming improvements as part of the Journey With AUS program visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSJourney.
