Fitch Upgrade of BWI Marshall Airport Bond Rating Reflects Airport Strong Market Position

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. 

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BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Welcomes Added Transcontinental Service from Southwest Airlines

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.

Photo of a Southwest Airlines aircraft on a taxiway at BWI Marshall Airport with the airport's terminal building and control tower in the background.

“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 Moore Announces Second-Straight Record Month for BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

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.

Photo of passengers at the base of the walkway to Concourse B at BWI Marshall Airport.

“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.”

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August 13, 2024 – Governor Moore Announces Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

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.

Overhead photo showing passengers walking past the Delta Air Lines ticketing counters at BWI Marshall Airport.

“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.

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2024 SynergyBWI Business and Networking Event

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)

REGISTER HERE

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BWI Marshall Airport’s 8th Annual Summer Youth Initiative Friday July 22nd – 26th

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.

Photos credit; Eric Stocklin Photography.

BWI Marshall Airport – 8th Annual Summer Youth Initiative

Photo credit: Eric Stocklin Photography

 

$800,000 for improvements at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport was awarded as part of 4 federal infrastructure grants

BALTIMORE — Maryland will receive more than $21 million from four federal infrastructure grants.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that $1.8 billion in awards from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program will go toward 148 projects across the country. Click here to read the full article.

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.

Click here to read the complete Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program 

New Parking Rates at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Effective July 1, 2024

New Parking Rates at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Effective July 1, 2024;

First Rate Increase Since 2009

Added Revenue to Support Parking Enhancements

Public parking rates will change at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, effective July 1, 2024. The following chart highlights the changes.

New Rates
(24-hour max)		Current Rates
(24-hour max)
Long Term Parking$11 per day$8 per day
Express Parking$14 per day$10 per day
Daily Garage$16 per day$12 per day
Hourly Garage$30 per day$22 per day
BWI Rail Station Garage$12 per day$9 per day

The new parking rates will apply to vehicles entering BWI Marshall Airport facilities on or after July 1, 2024. Vehicles parked before July 1 will pay the current rates. The change will be the first parking rate increase at BWI Marshall Airport since 2009. Parking rates at BWI Marshall will remain very competitive with major U.S. airports.

“This change will support the significant investment and innovative projects that are improving the airport experience for our valued customers,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We continue to offer convenient and affordable parking options. These capital improvements will help ensure BWI Marshall remains a world-class airport.”

The additional revenue generated by the rate changes will be used to support numerous improvements for BWI Marshall’s parking service. A new guidance system is being installed in the Hourly Garage to ease customer navigation to available spaces. Eight new electric buses are being added to the airport’s parking shuttle fleet. Lighting improvements are being installed along the terminal roadway system. An airport parking reservation system is being developed. The new rates are also intended to help free up spaces in the Hourly Garage for short-term use by customers meeting or dropping-off passengers.

BWI Marshall Airport offers about 25,000 parking spaces for travelers in the Long-Term Parking lots, Express Parking lot, Daily Garage and Hourly Garage. The nearby BWI Rail Station garage, operated by the Maryland Transit Administration, includes 3,187 public parking spaces. Free shuttle service is available between the rail station garage and the BWI Marshall Airport terminal.