Remarks as prepared for delivery
 
Good morning, everyone. I’m so pleased to be here for today’s dedication. Our Deputy Administrator, Brad Mims, a former member of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, is here as well. 

As someone who flies in and out of this airport a lot, I can tell you this new concourse looks terrific! 

The 14 new aircraft gates, improved security layout, green features, and better access to amenities – all provide a more welcoming experience for passengers, flight crews, and everyone who works here.

And with the elimination of the dreaded Gate 35X, passengers can board aircraft more efficiently and comfortably than before. What a big change!

The FAA is committed to supporting the modernization of our nation’s airports – big, small, urban, and rural. They are an essential part of our nation’s infrastructure, providing an economic engine for communities all across the country. In fact, the bipartisan infrastructure bill includes a total of $25 billion for airports and air traffic control. 

We were proud to support this new concourse.

We conducted safety and environmental reviews. 

And, the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization worked closely with the airport to ensure that flight operations could continue safely and efficiently during the construction. 

It’s great to see the culmination of all of these collaborative efforts, and see the value that this new concourse is now bringing.

We know that air travel has been challenging for the public over the past 19 months. With more and more passengers coming back to air travel, they’re eager to have an improved experience, wherever they can.

This concourse will be a very welcome addition. And it’s a good example of the kinds of innovation that we’re seeing at airports throughout the country. 

And speaking of innovation — with the 14 new gates in place, the FAA will be able to deliver additional value when we implement a new system for managing aircraft that are taxiing out for departure and in to their gates. 

This system is part of our Terminal Flight Data Manager program. The software calculates when it is best to have the aircraft pushback from the gate at busy hub airports, so that they can roll right to the runway. 

With this capability, we can reduce taxi delays and ramp congestion. In doing so, we can reduce aircraft fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions, while shaving minutes of time off each flight. We’re looking forward to seeing it here, and other airports around the country, in the coming years.  

The FAA will continue to partner with our nation’s airports, so that we can realize these innovations to make flying more efficient, equitable, and sustainable, while continuing to meet our safety responsibilities. 

Thank you for having us at the dedication today.