Home
»
AIRLINE NEWS
»
2023 highlights: Denver Airport’s report to community successes
2023 highlights: Denver Airport’s report to community successes
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Favorite
As we wrap up a historic year, I’d like to provide an overview of some of the noteworthy achievements at Denver International Airport (DEN) for our valued community of patrons, passengers, neighbors, and supporters.
DEN is currently executing a two-phased strategic plan. The first phase, Vision 100, focuses on gearing up the airport to accommodate 100 million annual passengers by 2027. The second phase, Operation 2045, aims to prepare for the airport’s 50th Anniversary in 2045, anticipating an annual passenger count exceeding 120 million. Both phases serve as a guiding framework to align decision-making and accountability.
This report outlines accomplishments aligned with the guiding principles and pillars of Vision 100.
Guiding Principle: Sustainability and Resiliency
DEN aspires to become the world’s greenest airport, and this year marked significant progress towards that goal:
- Capping the last remaining oil and gas wells on the property.
- Facilitating the sale of fleet equipment at the Colorado Aeronautics Auction to promote greener practices among Colorado airports.
- Recognition as one of the top five green fleets in North America by the National Association of Fleet Administrators.
- Completion of the largest closed-loop aircraft deicing fluid recycling facility in North America.
- Receiving the Airports Council International 2023 Environmental Achievement Award for “Low-Carbon, Cost-Effective, Reliable, and Resilient Energy Projects.”
Guiding Principle: Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility
DEN remains committed to fostering opportunities for all, particularly those from historically underserved communities:
- Implementation of the DEN New Heights program, providing employment and work experience for individuals exiting the justice system.
- Awarding an historic $18.3 million in prime contracts to Small Business Enterprises (SBE) through September.
- Achieving the highest Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise business revenue in the past six years, surpassing $200 million.
Guiding Principle: Enhancing the Customer Experience
With a focus on customer service, DEN continues to improve the overall passenger experience:
- Hosting community outreach events to gather feedback on the future of the Peña Boulevard corridor.
- Welcoming new Airport Customer Experience Specialists.
- Introducing the DEN Reserve program to streamline airport security for passengers.
- Organizing free summer concerts through the JetSet JAMZ concert series.
- Launching DEN Travel Assist and a revamped flydenver.com site for a more user-friendly experience.
- Welcoming new businesses to the concourses, including Sugarphoria, ColoradoLimited, Fly Fly Baby, Half Moon Empanadas, The House of LR&C, and Plaza Premium Lounge.
Pillar: Empowering our People
To empower its workforce, DEN is establishing the Center of Equity in Excellence in Aviation (CEEA), providing training and development opportunities:
- Groundbreaking ceremony for CEEA, offering a variety of training programs such as the Business Development Training Academy, Career Pathways, and Research and Innovation Lab.
Pillar: Growing our Infrastructure
DEN continues its construction activities to prepare for increased passenger traffic:
- Opening the EE Taxiway project with U.S Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
- Announcing the site of the future consolidated rental car facility.
- Receiving the Engineering News-Record Mountain States Best Project Award for Concourses B East & C East expansion projects.
- Executing commercial land leases totaling over 100 acres with Swire Coca-Cola, Inc., and Aaravya Investments, LLC.
Pillar: Maintaining What we Have
DEN emphasizes maintaining and improving its operations:
- Passing the annual facility and operations inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the third consecutive year with zero findings.
- Deconstructing the old toll plaza on Peña Boulevard while salvaging and recycling building materials.
- Recognition as one of the “100 Best Public Fleets” by the Fleet Management Association.
Pillar: Expanding our Global Connections
DEN is dedicated to growing travel and business opportunities:
- Leading a delegation to Ethiopia and Egypt with the Mayor’s Office to discuss potential flights between Denver and Africa.
- Achieving a record of nearly 7.3 million passengers in July.
- Announcing new nonstop flights to Dublin on Aer Lingus, inaugurated on May 17, 2024.
- Inaugurating new nonstop service between DEN and San Juan, Puerto Rico, on October 29.
- Announcing new nonstop service on Viva Aerobus between DEN and Monterrey, Mexico, starting January 25, 2024.
- Resuming nonstop flights to Tokyo/Narita and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the service.
- Celebrating the 25th anniversary of British Airways’ Denver-London service.
While this list is not exhaustive, it exemplifies our dedication to enhancing and caring for your airport. Thank you for your continued support.
« Back to Page
Comments: