The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has selected daa International, the international airport management and advisory business of the daa Group, to develop, lease and operate a new premium passenger service at Washington Dulles International Airport. The facility will be the first dedicated VIP passenger terminal of its kind serving the Washington metropolitan region.
The project involves the development of a dedicated VIP terminal for passengers travelling on commercial flights into and out of Washington Dulles International Airport. The 37,000 sq. ft facility will be located on a dedicated site at the airport and will provide commercial airline passengers with a premium alternative airport experience. The programme includes a 30-month development phase followed by a 20-year operating term. The service will offer eligible passengers an additional premium travel option, complementing the airport’s existing passenger experience. The project reflects growing demand worldwide for premium passenger services and will position Washington Dulles alongside other leading international airports that offer dedicated VIP facilities.
The proposed experience is designed to save passengers time while providing greater privacy, comfort and personal assistance, with support coordinated around their airport journey. It will give commercial airline passengers who value efficiency, a more discreet and personalised option, including:
- Dedicated VIP parking and entrance
- Private security screening for domestic and international flights
- Suites, lounges and bars
- Personalised check-in and baggage services
- Premium vehicle transport to aircraft
The VIP Terminal building will be designed in collaboration with Corgan, a major global architecture and design firm. The project is also expected to create opportunities for local jobs, skills development, suppliers and partners, supporting long-term value for MWAA and the Washington region.
The appointment strengthens the daa Group’s presence in North America, where ARI, its travel retail business, has recently been awarded the duty-free contract in JFK Terminal 4. Across the Group, airport operations, travel retail and international advisory work draw on more than 85 years of airport experience.
daa International brings experience in airport operations, passenger experience, terminal development and operational readiness, with airport management and advisory work across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
Its experience includes the Platinum VIP private terminal at Dublin Airport, a VIP terminal currently being designed in Vietnam, and management of Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Nick Cole, daa Deputy CEO and CEO of daa International, welcomed the appointment.
“We are honoured to have been selected by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for this prestigious project. Washington Dulles International Airport plays a vital role in connecting the United States with the world, and we look forward to bringing our international airport experience and operational expertise to the delivery of a VIP facility that reflects the airport’s global standing.”
“This appointment demonstrates the continued confidence that airport authorities place in daa International’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile aviation projects. It is also a testament to the expertise of our team and the strength of the wider daa Group.”
Clive Power, Deputy CEO of daa International, said the project highlights the growing international reputation of Irish aviation expertise.
“This is a landmark achievement for daa International and for the wider daa Group. Being selected to deliver a project of this importance at one of the United States’ premier international airports is a strong endorsement of the expertise, capability and track record that our people have developed over many years.”
“From Dublin and Cork airports to ARI’s travel retail operations and daa International’s airport consultancy and management services, the daa Group continues to demonstrate that Irish aviation expertise can compete and succeed on the world stage. We are delighted to support MWAA in delivering a facility that will provide an exceptional experience for VIP visitors to Washington Dulles International Airport.”
Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Transport, said:
“I am delighted to welcome today’s announcement that daa International has been awarded a contract to develop and operate a new VIP Terminal at Washington Dulles Airport. I was pleased to meet with the CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington recently where I, along with Ambassador Byrne Nason, welcomed this new partnership which brings Irish aviation expertise to one of the United States’ most significant international airports.”
“The award of this contract to daa International is a positive endorsement of the expertise, innovation and international reputation that daa has built in international airport management and advisory services. This contract provides an opportunity for daa to strengthen its presence in the United States, a key market for Irish companies who are supporting the US Transportation and logistics network and creating jobs in communities across the country. I wish daa International every success with this exciting new venture”.
Chryssa Westerlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at MWAA, added:
“Adding a VIP terminal at Dulles International reflects our commitment to giving passengers the options to choose an airport experience that fits their needs. By introducing this premium service, Dulles is responding to traveller demand, supporting continued growth and joining other leading international airports around the world that offer elevated services for business and leisure travellers alike.”
The project will be developed in close partnership with MWAA, drawing on daa International’s experience in airport operations, passenger experience, terminal development and operational readiness.