George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s newly expanded international terminal is taking off.

Air France and KLM are the first airlines to begin moving passengers through the new Terminal E, starting February 27. It’s a major milestone for Houston Airports in the ongoing IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program.

“This is about giving our passengers the world-class experience they deserve the moment they walk into the terminal,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “As we prepare to welcome soccer fans and introduce new nonstop flights to Rome this summer, Terminal E serves as a source of pride for Houstonians and reflects the city’s role as a leading international gateway and improves efficiency for our passengers.”

Additional airlines will continue to transition from Terminal D to Terminal E in phases over the next few weeks.

The long-awaited new Terminal E features:

• Self-service bag drop stations
• Self-service check-in kiosks
• A 17-lane TSA screening area, one of the largest in the U.S.
• Expanded curb space for Arrivals and Departures
• Pre-security shopping and dining

Additionally, IAH has deployed a new bag drop system called Amadeus that’s widely used at major European airports. The new system allows passengers of participating airlines to check luggage in just a few steps or receive help from an airline agent. IAH is the first airport in Texas and the second in the nation to deploy the technology.