HANOVER, MD (November 6, 2024) – Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Maryland Department of Transportation’s revenue bonds for a major project at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport to A+ from A with a stable outlook. The rating upgrade comes in advance of an upcoming bond sale to complete construction of the Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System at BWI Marshall Airport. Moody’s Ratings assigned a rate of A1 with a stable outlook to the new issuance and re-affirmed that rating for the existing bonds.
“The ratings upgrade, coupled with the recent addition of several new transcontinental flights by Southwest Airlines and two straight months of record-breaking passenger traffic, demonstrates the strength of BWI Marshall Airport and its important role in the region,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Our customers, the commitment from the Moore-Miller Administration, and the strength of our partnership with Southwest Airlines are key factors in these achievements.”
The sale of the revenue bonds is expected this month. Fitch cites both BWI Marshall Airport’s financial profile, supported by the full recovery of passenger traffic, and its strong position in the competitive Baltimore-Washington D.C. market as key drivers of its rating upgrade. The credit ratings agency also noted the strategic importance of BWI Marshall Airport to the Southwest national network. BWI Marshall Airport is the busiest Southwest station on the East Coast. In 2023, Southwest flew 18.3 million passengers at BWI Marshall. There are more than 5,200 Southwest employees in the local market, according to the airline.
The upcoming sale of approximately $230 million in airport revenue bonds is an investment in the largest capital project in the airport’s history. The work includes a direct connection between Concourses A and B, a sophisticated baggage handling system, expanded seating areas at passenger gates, new restrooms and added food and retail concession space. Completion of the new baggage handling and connector system is scheduled for late 2025, with the entire expansion project expected to be completed in 2026.
“These positive ratings reflect the strong financial position of our airport and our commitment to responsible fiscal management,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We are well positioned for work to enhance the passenger experience and drive economic growth for the region.”
Read more about the rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings here and Moody’s rating here.
BWI Marshall is a key driver of economic activity and transportation for the state of Maryland. As the busiest airport in the National Capital region for passenger traffic, the airport provides nearly 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations and produces a total annual economic impact of $11.3 billion. BWI Marshall and its passengers generate, support and sustain more than 107,000 jobs throughout the region.
Airline Boosts Red-Eye Service at BWI Marshall for Summer 2025
Southwest Airlines announced its summer 2025 schedule update today, including several new transcontinental flight additions for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Starting June 5, Southwest will add nonstop service between BWI Marshall and six west coast markets: Long Beach, CA; Ontario, CA; Portland, OR; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; and Seattle, WA.
“These new flights will foster tourism and business development for our state and region,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. “We are working to enhance the travel product for our customers while creating more opportunities for air service from our airline partners.”
BWI Marshall Airport is the busiest Southwest station on the east coast. In 2023, Southwest flew 18.3 million passengers at BWI Marshall. There are more than 5,200 Southwest employees in the local market, according to the airline.
The new service from Southwest Airlines announced today will operate into BWI Marshall as overnight, red-eye flights. The six new red-eye markets are in addition to six other red-eye flights to BWI Marshall that were previously announced by the airline, including: Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Sacramento, CA; and San Diego, CA.
BWI Marshall is advancing several major capital projects that will add new amenities for passengers while providing important infrastructure to support airline service. The work includes the Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System, the largest capital project in the airport’s history. The project will support Southwest by creating: a direct connection between Concourses A and B; a new, sophisticated baggage handling system; expanded seating areas at passenger gates; new restrooms; and added food and retail concessions space.
BWI Marshall Airport generates a total economic impact of $11.3 billion. The airport and visitors produce and support more than 107,000 jobs throughout Maryland and the region. The airport offers approximately 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations, making it the busiest airport in the National Capital region.
Governor Wes Moore today announced that July 2024 marked the second consecutive month of record-breaking passenger traffic at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport. With a total of 2,667,660 passengers traveling through, July became the new busiest month in the history of the airport, surpassing the previous record set in June of this year.
“BWI Marshall Airport connects Maryland residents and businesses to the world,” said Gov. Moore. “This new milestone highlights Maryland’s growing position as a major attraction for travel, tourism and commerce.”
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is a key driver of economic activity and transportation for the state of Maryland. As the busiest airport in the National Capital region for passenger and cargo traffic, BWI Marshall airport provides nearly 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations. The airport produces a total annual economic impact of $11.3 billion. BWI Marshall and its passengers generate, support and sustain more than 107,000 jobs throughout the region.
BWI Marshall Airport welcomed millions of travelers during the peak summer travel season. The new record in July represented 8.4% growth compared to the same period last year. The success underscores the airport’s important role in global travel and connectivity.
“The record-setting performance demonstrates a continued demand for air travel,” said BWI Marshall Airport Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Ricky Smith. “Our team works tirelessly to offer an efficient, positive travel experience. We thank our customers and partners for their continued support.”
SynergyBWI to Connect Businesses with Airport Opportunities
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport will host its 2024 SynergyBWI conference at Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, Maryland on September 23. The free annual business networking event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and local businesses to connect with resources and procurement experts from BWI Marshall and Martin State airports.
SynergyBWI is a venue for small, local, and minority businesses to acquire procurement information with the goal of increasing their participation in the tremendous contracting opportunities at BWI Marshall and Martin State. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders, including local businesses, suppliers, contractors, airport leadership, and procurement professionals.
“This annual event is a valuable resource for businesses working to expand their reach and contribute to the growth of our airports,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration. “SynergyBWI empowers local businesses and fosters important opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.” This SynergyBWI event will provide a platform for businesses to learn about upcoming airport projects, procurement processes, and specific contracting requirements. Key highlights of SynergyBWI include:
Information sessions on securing business contracts, financing, bonding resources, and other topics.
An exhibitor hall where participants can meet with current airport contractors and explore new business opportunities.
Networking opportunities for attendees to interact with industry leaders, procurement officers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Keynote speeches from state leaders, airport executives, and other experts about the latest trends and best practices in transportation procurement. Further information and full schedule are available on the event’s website— www.SynergyBWIairport.com.
Governor Wes Moore today announced that Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport logged record-breaking passenger traffic in June 2024. According to Maryland Department of Transportation records, 2,603,847 commercial passengers flew through the airport, which represents a new all-time monthly passenger record and is an increase of 11 percent over June 2023. Fiscal Year 2024 also set a new record fiscal year for BWI Marshall Airport, with just over 27 million passengers.
“Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport’s continued success supports our efforts to make Maryland more competitive by boosting tourism, attracting businesses, spurring economic growth and creating jobs across our state,” said Gov. Moore. “This record-setting performance affirms our strength and our administration remains committed to enhancing convenient, efficient airport travel that will continue to position Maryland as a gateway to the nation and to the world.”
BWI Marshall Airport generates a total economic impact of $11.3 billion. The airport and visitors produce and support more than 107,000 jobs throughout Maryland and the region. The airport offers about 300 daily nonstop departures to more than 80 domestic and international destinations, making it the busiest airport in the National Capital region.
“These new records reflect the strong demand for air travel, along with the resilience of the aviation industry,” said BWI Marshall Airport Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Ricky Smith. “Our airport has an expanding route network and growth in leisure and business travel.”
BWI Marshall has several major, high-profile capital projects underway that will add new services and amenities for passengers while providing important infrastructure to support airline partners. The work includes the Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System — the largest capital project in the airport’s history— which will provide a direct connection between Concourses A and B; a new, sophisticated baggage handling system; expanded seating areas at passenger gates; new restrooms; and added food and retail concessions space.
Join us for our SynergyBWI Business and Networking Event on September 23, 2024.
The 2024 SynergyBWI Business and Networking event provides an exciting venue for small and minority businesses to network and learn about business and contracting opportunities with BWI Marshall and Martin State Airports.
This year’s theme is Navigating New Horizons, Advancing Diversity, and Excelling in Business. We invite you to accelerate your business growth with knowledge gained from our expert presenters and seminars. Don’t miss an opportunity to learn, network, and grow your business. Register today and bring a colleague.
5 Reasons you should attend SynergyBWI:
Find out how to secure contracting opportunities in Food, Retail, Service Repair and Maintenance, Planning and Engineering for BWI Marshall and Martin State Airports
Get funding for your business, meet representatives from the Small Business Administration and learn about financing, bonding and other business resources
Learn how to get MBE Certified, and network with our airport leadership and procurement team
Meet airport prime contractors, exhibitors, and entrepreneurs who are doing business with both airports
It’s FREE! Join us for an evening of networking with the Airport Minority Advisory Council leadership (AMAC local chapter)
BWI Marshall Airport’s 8th Annual Summer Youth Initiative week-long full of activities ended on Friday with 52 students attended this year from Baltimore City Recreation & Parks.
“Lifetime of Discoveries”
On Monday, the campers arrived at BWI Marshall Airport with Ricky Smith Executive Director/CEO providing welcoming remarks. The campers then boarded buses to the Field Maintenance area where they climbed on the heavy equipment and participated by riding along in the Conga Line of snow removal equipment. From there they enjoyed a tour of the Signature Flight hangar. Then on to the airport’s maintenance building to learn more about the airport’s environmental sustainability practices. Lastly the campers enjoyed boarding a Southwest Airlines plane.
On Tuesday, the campers had the opportunity to sit at Ricky Smith’s desk and make an executive decision. Then it was off to the Air Traffic Control Tower.
Followed by a behind the scene tour at AMAZON Air/KBWI cargo facility. The day ended with a trip to the airport’s Fire & Rescue Department.
Wednesday the campers spent the day at CCBC where they were able to fly sophisticated drones and test out their flying abilities with the College’s flight simulators. They learned about robotics, logistics and automotive maintenance. Lastly, they enjoyed a relaxing presentation in the College’s planetarium.
Thursday the campers spent the day at Tipton Airport with a presentation by the Aviation Flight School, Medstar pilots, Anne Arundel County Police, Civil Air Patrol, and G-force avionics.
To close out the week, Keiva Rodrigues, Chief Operating Officer at BWI Marshal Airport, presented the campers with a certificate of completion. The campers heard from US Customs & Federal Air Marshals including a K-9 dog demonstration, the FBI, TSA and airport security, and MDTA Police. The afternoon included a tour of Atlas Air Boing 747-400, learning more about engineering and construction followed by a fun closing ceremony with games, photo booth, and more in the airport’s Observation Gallery.
The BWI Business Partnership would like to thank the sponsors and airport partners for their support and contribution in making this an impactful and memorable experience for the campers.
Project Description: This project will evaluate the feasibility of a multimodal Ground Transportation Center (GTC) at the airport terminal core, as well as an Automated People Mover (APM) connecting on and off-airport functions. The project includes stakeholder engagement, identifying, refining and evaluation of concepts, a funding plan, and implementation steps. Project Benefits: The project will study how to improve the airport’s multi-modal ground transportation access safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The study will provide recommendation for the airport’s decarbonization such as modal shifts and the increased use of electric vehicles. This planning will focus on how to reduce vehicle miles traveled in the project area as well as how to create green energy power sources for the airport. The project will implement transit-oriented development that helps existing residents and businesses, low-income and underserved communities, and minimizes displacement. The project will improve system-wise connectivity with access to transit, as well as micro-mobility and mobility on-demand for employees and airport travelers.
Just in time for the peak summer travel season, Condor Airlines’ new A330neo, sporting Condor’s eye-catching, striped branding, arrives at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Condor will offer non-stop flights to its Frankfurt hub three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday), with easy connections to 100+ destinations throughout Europe and beyond. The A330neo will replace the previous generation of Boeing 767 aircraft and will significantly reduce Condor’s operating costs and offer increased passenger and cargo capacity into the Baltimore/Washington market.
The A330neo Is the new version of the popular A330 widebody. incorporating the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new wings and aerodynamic innovations, the aircraft reduces Condor’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent. The A330neo consumes just a half a gallon of fuel, per passenger, per 62 miles flown – — well below the industry average. It is the first aircraft in the world already certified for the regulatory reduction in CO2 emissions, which will be required by 2028, and that subsequently will reduce travelers’ environmental footprint. The A330neo supports state-of-the-art flight and navigation systems tailored to Condor’s exacting requirements, resulting in more noise- and CO2 -efficient approach and departure procedures, even at particularly high-altitude airports, reducing noise pollution by up to 60 percent.
“The National Capital Region, connecting the District, Maryland and Virginia, is one of the most important transatlantic gateways in the U.S., and a key gateway for Condor’s growing U.S. network. We are thrilled to introduce our A330neo to BWI, one of the most-convenient airports serving the nation’s capital and the metro region. The A330neo is truly a game-changer for Condor and for transatlantic travel, and we are excited to introduce our next-generation aircraft to government, corporate and leisure travelers living and working in the area,” said Mikko Turtiainen, director of sales, The Americas.
“BWI Marshall is a world-class airport and a critical international gateway,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. “Condor is adding an enhanced level of service and comfort for our shared passengers. This innovative aircraft will improve the travel experience for our customers.”
Unrivaled Passenger Comfort In-Flight
Condor’s A330neo will offer unrivaled in-flight passenger comfort and will accommodate 310 passengers, featuring 30 seats in Business, 64 seats in Premium Economy and 216 seats in Economy class. The A330neo features an award-winning, whisper quiet Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity. The A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system, ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.
Best-in-Class, New Business and Premium Economy Class
The new Condor Business Class offers 30, lie-flat (180 degree) seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for all guests. The seat conveniently converts to a 76-inch long by 19-inch-wide bed. Business Class guests have access to the latest movies, series, podcasts, and games, all accessible on a 17.3-inch screen in 4K mode, with touchscreen and remote control. The first row of Business Class will also feature four “Prime Seats”, with added space large enough to accommodate two guests who wish to dine together and an extra large, 24-inch entertainment screen. The “Prime Seats” will feature added in-flight amenities including a premium travel kit, inflight pajamas and a premium snack basket.
In Premium Economy Class, guests enjoy more personal space thanks to a generous extra seat pitch of 35 inches and a greater backrest angle of up to six inches. In addition, the multi-adjustable headrest and footrest at every seat ensure a significantly more comfortable flight experience. Both the Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats have 13.3-inch in-seat 4K monitors with touchscreens, which can be used to enjoy the extensive in-flight-program. Condor’s A330neo features a 2-4-2 seating configuration in both classes.
A brand-new feature awaits guests in all three classes: Condor’s new A330neo offers high-speed broadband internet and onboard connectivity. The latest in-flight-entertainment technology provides a wide of films, series, and podcasts. Each seat has an extra holder for mobile device, so that streaming is also possible. In addition, personal Bluetooth headphones can be connected to the aircraft’s in-flight-entertainment system.
The cabin also features mood lighting in all three classes that can be individually adjusted to suit the time of day. This helps guests aboard to fall asleep easily and wake up more relaxed.
Modern Elegance with Stylish Accents
Visually, the new cabin product impresses with a stylish color concept featuring the “Condor Marina” and “Condor Earth” color schemes as well as subtle stripes as a recurring design element. This includes a striped badge on every seat as well as uniformly striped headrest covers in Business and Premium Economy Class. This complements Condor’s new branding which is proudly displayed on the exterior of each A330neo. The design of the cabin was implemented by the design agency müller/romca industrial design based in Kiel. Remo Masala, owner of the visionalphabet agency in Berlin, who designed Condor’s new brand identity, guided the process with creative direction.
Along with Baltimore/Washington (BWI), this summer Condor will operate from a total of 18 North American cities to Frankfurt: including New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), Boston (BOS), Baltimore (BWI), Miami, (MIA), Portland (PDX), Minneapolis (MSP), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), San Antonio (SAT), Anchorage (ANC), Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG) and Halifax (YHZ).
