Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the third-largest and busiest airport in the world, welcomed 86.9 million passengers in 2024. Spanning over 17,000 acres, DFW features five terminals and serves as a key hub for both domestic and international travel. Terminal D, the airport’s flagship and largest international terminal, offers nonstop services to 71 international destinations from 18 of the world’s largest airlines.

Since 2016, Appro has been responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of Terminal D, ensuring a world-class experience for all travelers. Our services include daily deep cleaning of high-traffic areas, such as major walkways, escalators, passenger viewing areas, and restrooms, along with detailed care of flooring and surfaces throughout the terminal.

We also manage ramp-level spaces, ensuring operational areas remain clean and safe for staff and airline personnel. By using industry-leading equipment, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and a dedicated team of experienced professionals, Appro upholds the highest standards of cleanliness, enhancing both the passenger experience and overall airport environment.

What specific measures do you or your team implement to ensure this space meets the highest standards of cleanliness and embodies the value of clean?

Our team takes a proactive, detail-oriented approach to maintaining the highest cleanliness standards throughout Terminal D at DFW Airport. A key focus is the airport’s flooring, which is essential in creating a clean and welcoming environment for travelers. To ensure the floors meet and exceed the airport’s standards, we use a gloss meter to measure shine, consistently surpassing required levels. Additionally, our team performs regular striping and waxing to maintain durability and enhance overall appearance.

Beyond routine cleaning, we follow a detailed schedule focusing on high-touch areas to uphold top-tier cleanliness. All employees undergo rigorous training to exceed expectations, and we conduct regular inspections to ensure quality. We use OrangeQC, a leading commercial cleaning inspection software, to track and improve custodial and facility standards.

Our adherence to CIMS GB standards reinforces our commitment to excellence. We work closely with DFW Airport to schedule daily morning and evening inspections, enabling us to identify and address areas needing improvement in real-time. This ensures all surfaces and public spaces remain pristine. Our dedication to exceeding cleanliness standards reflects our commitment to delivering the best traveler experience possible.

How does cleaning this space contribute to the health and safety of those who use it?

At Appro, we understand that airport cleanliness is directly linked to the health and safety of every single person who passes through Terminal D at DFW Airport. With thousands of travelers moving through daily, the potential for germs and viruses to spread is extremely high – especially through high-touch surfaces such as kiosks, handrails, and seating areas. By ensuring Terminal D remains spotless, we reduce the risk of exposure and the spread of contagious bacteria and viruses for all travelers.

That’s why we implement rigorous cleaning protocols designed to significantly reduce bacterial contamination and limit the spread of infectious diseases. Research shows that 80% of infectious diseases spread through surface contact, and according to a CDC Study, airports with strict sanitation measures have seen a 40% decrease in reported illnesses among travelers. Our customized schedules and procedures are key to maintaining a hygienic and safe environment, especially in high-risk areas. We also have specialized disinfecting protocols in place to address emergency and hazardous events involving body fluids, blood, vomit, feces, and respiratory secretions.

In collaboration with DFW Airport, our team exclusively uses pre-qualified and green-certified cleaning solutions, ensuring we do our part to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, we leverage Smartroom Technology across all our restrooms, allowing us to track usage, supply levels, and traveler flow. This datadriven approach helps us to minimize waste by using resources efficiently, reducing unnecessary water and energy consumption, and ensuring restrooms are always stocked and cleaned at the right times.

At Appro, our vision is to create clean and safe spaces. We believe a clean environment is also an inclusive environment that ensures travelers of all backgrounds, abilities, and health conditions have access to safe and hygienic spaces. Our commitment to cleanliness provides accessible and sanitary restrooms for everyone, including families and those with disabilities, and maintains cleaner waiting areas for immunocompromised passengers who are more vulnerable to illnesses. These efforts create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall passenger experience, making our terminals a safer and more accommodating space for all.

What does having a spotless space mean to you and your team?

At Appro, cleanliness goes beyond a spotless space—it’s about safety, responsibility, and the care we provide for our team and everyone who passes through the terminals we manage. A well-maintained environment reduces health risks, minimizes hazards, and ensures that both travelers and employees move through DFW with confidence. We take immense pride in our commitment to cleanliness and consistency, always striving to create warm, welcoming spaces for millions of travelers each year.

Beyond cleanliness, we embrace innovation, supporting positive changes such as the shift toward eco-friendly products and Smartroom Technology, which make airport operations more sustainable and efficient. Most importantly, our team is more than just a workforce—we are a community. A large majority of our employees come from diverse African communities, and we are proud to offer opportunities for career growth, skill development, and upward mobility. This aligns with DFW Airport’s mission to foster an inclusive and respectful work culture that values diversity and empowers employees.

At Appro, we are not just a cleaning service provider. We serve and support each other, our customers, and our community with pride and a greater purpose.