This article summarizes reporting by AP News and Seung Min Kim. Read the original reporting for full context.

Trump Administration Announces Plans to “Rebuild” Dulles Airports and Overhaul People Movers

On Tuesday, December 2, President Donald Trump announced a new initiative to “rebuild” Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), characterizing the facility as “incorrectly designed” despite its architectural significance. During a Cabinet meeting, the administration highlighted the airport’s aging infrastructure, with a specific focus on the controversial “people mover” system that transports passengers between terminals.

According to reporting by AP News, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the Department of Transportation is moving immediately to address the airport’s transit issues. The announcement follows a serious Safety incident in November 2025 involving one of the airport’s mobile lounges, which brought renewed scrutiny to the decades-old transport system.

Targeting the “Mobile Lounges”

The primary focus of the administration’s immediate criticism appears to be the fleet of mobile lounges, large, bus-like vehicles that have been a fixture at Dulles since its opening in 1962. While originally designed to ferry passengers directly from the terminal to Commercial-Aircraft, they now primarily serve as shuttles between the main terminal and concourses not fully served by the underground train system.

Secretary Duffy stated that the department is issuing a request for bids to either repair or overhaul these vehicles. This federal intervention comes shortly after a crash involving a mobile lounge in November left 18 people injured, an event that The Washington Post reported has intensified calls for safety upgrades.

In his remarks, President Trump distinguished between the airport’s operational layout and its aesthetic value. As quoted in the AP News report:

“They have a great building [the main terminal] and a bad airport.”

The President further criticized the overall functionality of the hub, stating that while the Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal is architecturally significant, the airport itself is “terrible” and “not a good airport at all.”

Infrastructure Context and Challenges

The “people movers” remain a critical, albeit criticized, component of Dulles operations. While the underground AeroTrain system opened in 2010, it does not connect to Concourse D, where many international and United Airlines flights operate. Consequently, the mobile lounges are the only mass-transit option for thousands of daily passengers traveling to that specific concourse.

The Refurbishment vs. Replacement Debate

Prior to the President’s announcement, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) had already initiated plans to address the aging fleet. Public records indicate that MWAA approved a $160 million program to refurbish the vehicles, intending to extend their service life by another 15 to 20 years. The authority has previously argued that expanding the AeroTrain to Concourse D is currently cost-prohibitive.

It remains unclear how the Trump administration’s new “rebuild” directive will interact with MWAA’s existing Contracts. However, the administration’s rhetoric suggests a desire for a more comprehensive overhaul than the current refurbishment plans imply.

AirPro News Analysis

The tension between federal ambitions and local authority planning highlights a recurring challenge in U.S. airport infrastructure. While the “mobile lounges” are frequently cited by passengers as a pain point due to crowding and slow transfer times, replacing them entirely would likely require a massive capital investment to extend the AeroTrain system, a project estimated to cost billions and take years to complete.

By focusing on “bids to repair or overhaul,” the Department of Transportation may be seeking to accelerate improvements without committing immediately to the long-term construction of new tunnels. However, the President’s broader promise to “rebuild” the airport suggests that larger structural changes could be proposed in the future, potentially targeting the “temporary” Concourses C and D, which have been in use since the 1980s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Dulles still use mobile lounges?

The underground AeroTrain system, completed in 2010, does not reach Concourse D or the International Arrivals Building. The mobile lounges are required to transport passengers to these locations.

What happened in November 2025?

A mobile lounge crashed into a dock at the airport, injuring 18 people. This incident has been cited as a catalyst for the administration’s renewed focus on airport safety.

Are the mobile lounges being replaced?

The MWAA originally planned to refurbish them. The Trump administration has announced it is requesting bids to “repair or overhaul” them, though it is not yet clear if this will lead to a full replacement or a different technological solution.

Sources

• AP News
• The Washington Post
• Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

This article is based on an official press release from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and additional project documentation. See the original release for full details.

Construction on RDU Terminal 2 Expansion Set to Begin in January 2026

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has officially announced that major construction on the Terminal 2 Landside Expansion will commence in January 2026. As part of the airport’s multi-billion dollar “Transform RDU” capital improvement program, this project aims to address record-breaking passenger growth by significantly expanding the terminal’s processing capacity.

According to airport officials, the initial phase involves the installation of a temporary wall at the north end of Terminal 2. This barrier will remain in place for approximately two years to separate the active construction zone from public areas. Despite the scale of the work, RDU has confirmed that all existing ticket counters and security checkpoints will remain operational throughout the process.

Project Scope and Timeline

The Terminal 2 Landside Expansion is designed to relieve congestion in the airport’s busiest facility. Terminal 2, which serves major carriers including American, Delta, and United, as well as all international flights, has been operating near capacity during peak travel times.

Key Improvements

Based on project details released by the airport and construction partners, the expansion will focus on the “landside” areas, the parts of the terminal before the secure gate area. Key upgrades include:

• Ticketing Hall: Expanding the lobby to reduce overcrowding during peak check-in hours.
• Security Checkpoints: Adding new security lanes to increase passenger throughput and reduce wait times.
• International Arrivals: Expanding Federal Inspection Services (FIS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities to accommodate more international flights.
• Baggage Claim: Upgrading the baggage handling system and claim areas to handle increased volume.

Construction Timeline

While the specific “north end” construction zone is expected to be active for approximately two years, the full Terminal 2 expansion is a long-term endeavor slated for completion by 2032. The project involves extending the building envelope outward at the north end to create new internal capacity without disrupting current operations.

Impact on Travelers and Logistics

Airport officials are advising travelers to “pack patience” as the construction will result in visible work zones and potential noise. However, the airport has emphasized that the project is staged to minimize disruption to critical processing areas.

“Crucially, all ticket counters and security checkpoint lanes will remain open throughout the construction. The work is being staged to expand the building outward rather than shutting down existing critical processing areas.”

RDU Project Documentation

Parking Changes

Coinciding with the start of construction, changes to airport parking will take effect immediately in the new year. On January 2, 2026, the Park Economy 4 lot will close to the public and convert into an employee-only lot. Travelers who previously used this lot are being directed to the expanded Park Economy 3 lot.

Budget and Strategic Context

The Landside Expansion is a critical component of the broader “Transform RDU” master plan, which has a total program budget of approximately $2.5 billion. The specific cost for the Landside Expansion was estimated at approximately $400 million in 2023.

Contractors and Design

According to construction industry reports, a joint venture led by Balfour Beatty and Metcon (a North Carolina-based minority-owned firm), alongside Right Build and Varnedoe Construction, was awarded a $650 million contract that encompasses this expansion and other campus improvements. Program management is being provided by Parsons, while design is led by Durham-based O’Brien Atkins Associates with involvement from Fentress Architects to maintain the terminal’s signature “rolling hills” roofline.

Record Growth Driving Expansion

The urgency of this project is driven by unprecedented demand. RDU reported serving a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024, a 6.5% increase over the previous year. The “Vision 2040” master plan, approved in 2016, identified the need for these expansions to handle the region’s rapid population and economic growth.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to prioritize the “landside” expansion before adding more gates (airside) highlights a critical bottleneck in modern airport design: processing speed. While adding gates allows for more planes, it creates chaos if the ticketing halls and security checkpoints cannot handle the influx of passengers. By expanding the building envelope first, RDU is ensuring that the infrastructure can support the future concourse expansions planned in later phases of Vision 2040. This phased approach reduces the risk of catastrophic gridlock during peak holiday seasons, a problem that has plagued other rapidly growing mid-sized hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does construction start?

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Will security lines be closed?

No. RDU officials state that all existing security checkpoint lanes and ticket counters will remain open.

How long will the construction last?

The temporary wall at the north end will be up for approximately two years. The full expansion project is expected to be complete by 2032.

Where should I park if I used Economy 4?

Travelers should use the expanded Park Economy 3 lot, as Economy 4 will become employee-only starting January 2, 2026.

Sources: RDU Press Release, Construction Dive (Contractor Data), RDU Vision 2040 Master Plan

Boeing CFO Projects Delivery Growth and Cash Flow Recovery in 2026

Boeing is projecting a financial and operational turnaround in 2026, with Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave outlining expectations for increased jet deliveries and a return to positive free cash flow. Speaking at the UBS Global Industrials and Transportation Conference on December 2, 2025, Malave provided a detailed update on the manufacturers production stability and financial outlook.

According to reporting by Reuters, the company anticipates higher delivery volumes for both its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner programs in 2026 compared to current year levels. While the executive noted that November 2025 deliveries were “a little light” due to holiday schedules, the broader trajectory suggests a stabilization of factory output following a turbulent period for the aerospace giant.

Production Rates and Delivery Targets

The core of Boeing’s recovery plan rests on its ability to ramp up production rates for its best-selling aircraft. Malave confirmed that the company is currently stabilizing 737 MAX production at approximately 38 jets per month. The manufacturer is now “loading” its operations to reach a target rate of 42 jets per month, prioritizing stability over speed during this ramp-up phase.

787 Dreamliner Progress

In the wide-body segment, the 787 Dreamliner program is reportedly stabilizing at a rate of seven jets per month. Malave indicated that Boeing aims to increase this to eight per month by the end of 2025, with a further goal of reaching 10 per month in 2026.

Certification Timelines

Regarding future variants, the CFO provided an updated timeline for the 737 MAX 10. Certification for the largest variant of the MAX family is now targeted for late 2026. This timeline is critical as Boeing seeks to compete more effectively in the high-capacity narrow-body market.

“When you now fast forward to 2026, we’re going to be increasing our deliveries.”

, Jay Malave, Boeing CFO (via Reuters)

Financial Outlook: Cash Flow and Margins

Boeing’s financial guidance for 2025 and 2026 has shifted, driven largely by the timing of legal liabilities. Malave stated that the company now expects a free cash flow outflow of approximately $2 billion for 2025. This represents an improvement from the previously guided $2.5 billion outflow.

However, as Reuters reports, this improvement is primarily technical rather than operational. A significant Department of Justice (DOJ) penalty payment, originally expected to impact the 2025 books, has slipped into 2026. Consequently, while 2025 looks slightly better on paper, the liability remains.

Looking ahead to 2026, Boeing projects a return to positive free cash flow in the “low single-digit” billions range. Malave reiterated the company’s long-term ambition to generate $10 billion in annual free cash flow, though he acknowledged that the company is “not there yet.”

Defense and Acquisition Updates

The Defense, Space & Security unit, which has historically struggled with fixed-price contract overruns, is expected to generate high single-digit margins, signaling potential stabilization. Additionally, Malave confirmed that Boeing still intends to close its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems by the end of 2025, a strategic move intended to improve supply chain quality and integration.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Cash Flow Shuffle”

While the reduction in the projected 2025 cash outflow from $2.5 billion to $2 billion may appear positive, investors should view this with caution. The improvement is largely attributable to the deferral of the DOJ penalty payment into 2026 rather than a sudden spike in operational efficiency. The true test of Boeing’s recovery will be its ability to generate organic cash from operations in 2026, independent of legal payment timings.

Managing Expectations

CFO Jay Malave’s characterization of November deliveries as “a little light” appears to be a proactive effort to manage market expectations before official numbers are released. By attributing the dip to the Thanksgiving holiday schedule, Boeing is attempting to separate temporary calendar impacts from systemic production issues. However, with the 737 MAX 10 certification now pushed to late 2026, the pressure is on the existing MAX variants to carry the revenue load for another full year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Boeing expect to certify the 737 MAX 10?
Boeing is currently targeting late 2026 for the certification of the 737 MAX 10.

What is the current production rate for the 737 MAX?
Production is stabilizing at roughly 38 jets per month, with a target to reach 42 jets per month.

Why did the 2025 cash flow projection improve?
The projected outflow improved to ~$2 billion largely because a DOJ penalty payment expected in 2025 has been delayed until 2026.

Sources

• Reuters