DFW International Airport Celebrates Skylink's Completion With 'A Taste of the World'

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Event Benefits Airport Organizations That Assist Passengers; World's Largest Airport Train Will Dramatically Change Passenger Experience

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- DFW International Airport and the North Texas Commission will host a grand opening gala, "A Taste of the World," celebrating the completion of DFW's new Skylink automated people mover system on May 4. Skylink is the world's largest airport train system, and will open for passenger use later in May. A portion of the proceeds from the Skylink opening event will benefit non-profit organizations at DFW that assist passengers and visitors to the Airport every day, including the USO located in Terminal B, the DFW Interfaith Chaplaincy, Airport Ambassadors and Travelers Aid.

Each participating Skylink station will represent a different region of the world served by DFW, and will be filled with international cuisine and live entertainment. The Pacific Rim will be represented in Skylink station A- South, Argentine and Caribbean fare will be served in the B-South station, the C-North station will feature Italian cuisine and Irish pub selections, and station E-South will highlight Texas and American specialties.

Canada's famed Royal Mounted Police will be on-hand to greet event-goers and a variety of local community and school musicians and entertainers will serenade attendees at each stop. Skylink will also breeze through International Terminal D, giving all a sneak peek at the brand new facility.

"This event is an opportunity for us to share the excitement of Skylink's completion with the members of our community that helped make it a reality," said Jeff Fegan, DFW's Chief Executive Officer. "Our Board members, including both of our current and all of our former Owner City mayors were influential in providing the long-range vision and planning which helped create Skylink and International Terminal D."

Skylink has gone through vigorous testing in the past several months to ensure a safe, speedy and comfortable ride for passengers. The $880 million Skylink system is a major part of the Airport's $2.8 billion dollar Capital Development Program, which also includes the new International Terminal D slated to open in July.

"Skylink will significantly improve the passenger experience at DFW by allowing travelers to move from terminal to terminal very quickly and efficiently," said Kevin Cox, DFW's Chief Operating Officer. "Skylink, International Terminal D and the Grand Hyatt will combine to make DFW and our region one of the premiere international gateways to the United States for many years ahead."

Skylink's fleet of 64 cars will travel at speeds of up to 35 miles an hour along an elevated, bi-directional guideway. The Skylink guideway spans almost five miles and is elevated an average of 50 feet above ground, offering passengers dramatic aerial views of airport operations as well as area skylines.

The presenting sponsor for the Skylink event is Bombardier Total Transit Systems, the Montreal-based manufacturer of the Skylink vehicles, software control systems and running surfaces.

"We are very proud that DFW selected our new Innovia automated people mover for its Skylink transit system," said Raymond T. Betler, President of Bombardier's Total Transit Systems. "We are confident that airport passengers from around the world will enjoy the debut of Skylink and its comfortable and reliable service."

The North Texas Commission is coordinating the event, and has attracted sponsorships to make the event possible. "We're very pleased that this grand vision of a modern DFW is becoming reality," said Dan Petty, President of the North Texas Commission. "In DFW's first 31 years, the Airport has demonstrated remarkable growth and contributions to the North Texas economy, and this new people mover and the new international terminal will ensure that our Airport is poised for growth well into the 21st century."

The event is sold out, but the North Texas Commission is maintaining a waiting list at 972-621-0400.

Diamond sponsors include Carter-Burgess, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., KBR, Lea+Elliot, and Pepsi.

Emerald sponsors include Azteca Enterprises, Inc., Omega Contracting Inc., CA One Services, Corgan, First Southwest Company, FMC Technologies, Gatherings d'Elegance, Honeywell, La Bodega Winery, Lopez Garcia Group, and URS.

Ruby sponsors include American Airlines, Best Southwest, Exel, Freese and Nichols, Friberg Associates Inc., HEB, HKS, Mills Electrical Contractors, Morgan Keegan, Morgan Stanley, PGAL, and SKIHI.

Contributing sponsors include Coors Light, Fort Worth International Center, City of Grapevine, Halff Associates, HMS Host, and Hyatt Regency Dallas.

About DFW International Airport

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 1,800 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 119 domestic and 33 international destinations worldwide. 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 http://www.dfwairport.com/ .

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