DFW AIRPORT MAKES ROOM FOR $1.08 BILLION INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL D WITH HOTEL IMPLOSION

As part of DFW International Airport's $2.6 billion Capital Development Program, the airport is clearing the way for a $1.08 million International Terminal

DALLAS/FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (PRWEB) August 3, 2001 -- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will clear the way for the new $1.08 billion International Terminal D by imploding the former Hyatt Hotel West at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, September 16. International Terminal D is the crown jewel of the Airports $2.6 billion Capital Development Program and will consolidate all international arrivals and departures, as well as accommodate some domestic flights, into one 2 million-square-foot terminal.

The midnight implosion is a major milestone for the construction of the new terminal project, which is scheduled to open in 2005. The world-class International Terminal D will come equipped with 23 wide-body aircraft gates and will accommodate 37,000 passengers daily or 12.8 million annually. International Terminal D will also feature an integrated 300-room Grand Hyatt Hotel, complete with rooftop swimming pool.

This world-class International Terminal D will enable DFW Airport to meet the growing demand for global travel," said Jeffrey P. Fegan, DFW Airport chief executive officer. International passenger air service at DFW currently contributes about
$2.3 billion annually to the North Texas economy in direct and indirect expenditures. International air cargo adds another $34 million to the economy.

The 2 million-square-foot International Terminal D -- equal in size to three football arenas the size of Texas stadium -- will include 120 ticketing positions and a Federal Inspection Facility capable of processing 2,800 passengers per hour. Panoramic views, 70-foot ceilings, and concessions areas totaling 100,000 square feet will provide an abundance of choices for eating, shopping and browsing. Connected to the terminal by enclosed, air-conditioned passenger halls with moving walkways, as well as elevators, will be an eight-level, 8,100-space parking garage. In addition, a three-level roadway access system to the terminal will provide convenience for passenger pick up and
drop off.

A new bi-directional Automated People Mover system will connect International Terminal D with existing terminals A, B, C and E, as well as the future Terminal F. The APM system will enable the Airport to meet its goal of transporting passengers between the furthest two stations in less than nine minutes, with an average ride of only five minutes.

International Terminal D will be a major economic generator for the region," Fegan said. It is another example how DFW Airport continues to meet the needs of its passengers and carriers, while maintaining its position as the airport of choice."

Those interested in viewing the implosion are encouraged to attend a party to be held at a cargo facility located on the western edge of the Airport. The family-friendly party will benefit the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and United Way of Tarrant County. Low-cost tickets to the event will be made available to the public at a later date. Party attendees will have an excellent, unobstructed view of the implosion.

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the worlds third busiest, serving 60 million passengers a year. Offering nearly 2,300 flights daily, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 132 domestic and 32 international destinations worldwide. For real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com