DFW International Airport Links Terminal D & Skylink Projects With “Golden Spike” Ceremony

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (July 17, 2003) — DFW International Airport will celebrate the joining of the SkyLink Automated People Mover Guideway with International Terminal D today during a ceremony. The linkage of DFW’s two major construction projects signifies a major milestone in the $2.6 billion Capital Development Program.

The “golden spike” ceremony, reminiscent of turn-of-the-century celebrations held when the final spike of a railroad line was completed, will take place on the SkyLink Guideway. The guideway, soaring 50 feet into the DFW sky, provides great panoramic views of the Airport and overlooks International Parkway and International Terminal D.

Trumpeters will herald the final placement of a 5 by 12-foot section of metal walkway draped in red, white and blue bunting. The section will be lowered into place by crane, and then secured with gold painted bolts.

“This is great news for the 60 percent of our 53 million-plus passengers who connect through DFW Airport every year,” says Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. “It is also good news for our local travelers, who will experience easier, quicker connections between terminals and their parking spot when coming home.”

DFW executives and workers representing SkyLink and Terminal D teams carrying flags and banners will then approach from opposite directions, converging on the site. Team leaders will shake hands and the two teams will file past the newly joined section.

When SkyLink opens in 2005, it will be the world's longest people mover system, with nearly five miles of dual guideway, or "track." It will also be home to the world's largest airport train fleet, beginning with 64 cars and expanding to 114 cars. It will unite DFW's existing Terminals A, B, C and E, the new International Terminal D and future Terminal F. SkyLink will also enable DFW to meet its goal of a 30-minute or less passenger connection time. Most connections on SkyLink will take less than 5 minutes.

“Our Board is strongly committed to DFW's motto – ‘The World Connected’," says Max Wells, Chairman of the DFW Airport Board. "Today's celebration and ceremony brings that motto home. SkyLink will connect our Airport and our passengers. One day in the future, it may even connect our great owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth."

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the “MediaSite” section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com