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A I R P O R T I M P R O V E M E N T. C O M 01|02 2021 Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Int’l Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Updates Signs for Motorists Leverages Innovation New Terminal Significantly Increases Capacity, Flexibility at Brownsville South Padre Island Int’l AIRPORT STORIES INSIDE: BNA | BRO | BUR | BWI | CHS | CVG | FLL | GRR | LAX | M01 | MBT | MCO | MWH | RSW | SAN | SFO New Concourse at Nashville Int’l DeWitt Spain Airport Applies Sealcoat to Preserve New Runway Asphalt Facilitates More Expansion & Renovations
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IN THIS ISSUE 3 16 Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Updates Signs for Motorists 8 22 Cincinnati/Northern New Terminal Significantly Increases Capacity, Flexibility Kentucky Int’l at Brownsville South Padre Island Int’l Leverages Innovation 30 34 38 DeWitt Spain Airport Applies New Concourse at Nashville Int’l Sealcoat to Preserve New Virtual Ramp Control System Updates City’s Front Door, Facilitates Runway Asphalt in the Works at Orlando Int’l More Expansion & Renovations 44 48 54 Hollywood Burbank Airport San Diego Int’l Captures Recoups Valuable Parking Grant County Int’l Flattens Stormwater Runoff for Reuse Revenue with Pre-Booking Engine Hump in Runway at Rental Car Center AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 Publisher PHOTO: PRISCILLA HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY Paul H. Bowers paulbowers@airportimprovement.com 262.510.7832 Editorial Consultant Rebecca Douglas rebeccadouglas@airportimprovement.com 815.621.4525 Social Media Director Kristin Shaw kristinshaw@airportimprovement.com 58 62 Creative & Production Director Enabling Projects Pave the Way for Becker 505, LLC – Chad Becker Murfreesboro Municipal Modernizes Extensive Landside Improvements chad@becker505.com With New Terminal at Los Angeles Int’l Circulation Director Lisa Monday lisamonday@airportimprovement.com columns Webmaster Matt Tews Publisher’s Column 7 matttews@airportimprovement.com Show Me! Contributing Writers Jennifer Bradley, Nicole Nelson, Artscapes 69 Paul Nolan, Robert Nordstrom, Gerald R. Ford Int’l adds an urban folk art mural Jodi Richards, Mike Schwanz, Kristin V. Shaw, Thomas J. Smith, Victoria Soukup, Jennifer Daack Industry Insider 70 Woolson, Ken Wysocky Airport Director Ivar C. Satero explains why and how his team is working to keep things Advertising Paul H . Bowers paulbowers@airportimprovement.com 262.510.7832 66 Airports of All Sizes Are Championing Diversity quiet at San Francisco Int’l Adrienne Gibson adriennegibson@airportimprovement.com 262.844.4368 advertiserindex ACC 6 Century West 50 Legacy 46 Vicki Jensen ACI-NA 56 Confluence Solutions 20 Leonardo/Selex ES Inc. 32 vickijensen@airportimprovement.com 414-331-9768 ADB Safegate 52 D.S. Brown 37 MAG USA 47 Aerosweep 19 Daktronics 21 Mead & Hunt 57 Editorial Advisory Board AGATI 42 Delta Airport Consultants 59 Musco Lighting 40 David Byers, Ph.D. Quadrex Aviation, LLC Argus Consulting 26 eezeetags 71 Oshkosh 4 Paul Cudmore Arora Engineers 18 EJ 64 Parabit 12 Eagle Integrated Solutions Asphalt Systems 33 Ex-Cell Kaiser 43 Pond & Company 40 William Fife AVCON 61 Fulfab 60 RS&H 27 Peer Review Consultant Avidbots 26 G&S Conveyor 13 SageGlass 2 Glenn S. Januska Aviramp 65 Granite Construction 51 SEW 72 Casper/Natrona County Int’l Airport Baker 25 Granite Inliner 24 Sherwin Industries 29 Chris Norton VTC Becker 505 27 Gresham Smith 17 SMART Airports 68 Eric Peterson Brownsville South Padre JBT 14 TranSystems 35 Alliiance Int’l Airport 11/15 Kimley-Horn 28 Trinity 53 Donna Speidel Burns & McDonnell 7 Larue 50 VTC 12 Sightline Airport Marking Consultants Burns Engineering 36 Lavi 41 AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT published bi-monthly by Chapel Road Communications LLC, 3780 Chapel Road, Brookfield, WI 53045. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The AIRPORT MINORITY ADVISORY COUNCIL publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT to 3780 Chapel Road, Brookfield, WI 53045. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted only upon written request. AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
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PUBLISHER’S COLUMN 7 Show Me! The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has Check out our cover story about Other articles in created a plethora of commercial options to Brownsville South Padre Island Interna- this issue provide an help airport operators and passengers cope tional. Its new terminal includes a huge inside look at a virtual with the new realities of air travel. Frankly, wall of SageGlass, with special glazing that ramp control system, some will prove useful, and others will never automatically adapts to control the tem- new uses for existing fly (pun intended). perature and glare in the entry hall. Airport sealcoat products and officials are also laying the groundwork to a clever way to recycle At Airport Improvement, we’ve always add cutting-edge biometrics in the future. airfield runoff. PAUL BOWERS, PUBLISHER made it a point to steer clear of unproven theories, products, services and applica- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Interna- Common criticisms about our industry tions that might work at your airport. We tional, featured on Page 22, is a veritable being overly risk-averse clearly don’t apply prefer to cover solutions that are already treasure trove of innovations. The team to the airports we’ve profiled. The amount working, told in the words of your fellow there has even found a new way to sell of innovation taking place is stunning, and airport directors and their teams, consul- water—vending machines that dispense I’m excited to see what the rest of 2021 will tants and suppliers. We won’t waste your flavored and/or caffeinated water in recy- bring! time with theoretical ideas that may, or may clable cardboard bottles! Our coverage Cheers, not, make the cut. also brings you details about the airport’s autonomous commercial floor scrubber, its Open any issue of this magazine, how- 12-week trial of a personal robot and more. ever, and you’ll definitely find something innovative. And this issue is particularly loaded with innovation. Full service solutions from arrival to departure. Operational efficiency is key to staying ahead of the curve. With a range of full-service architecture, engineering and construction services, our team partners with you to deliver successful, state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure solutions. See how at burnsmcd.com/AirportSolutions21. AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
8 BRO TERMINALS New Terminal Significantly Increases Capacity, Flexibility at Brownsville South Padre Island Int’l BY JENNIFER DAACK WOOLSON Even though he’s not a native Texan, and operations. The security checkpoint no longer met TSA this isn’t Bryant Walker’s first rodeo. requirements due to its small size, and mounting maintenance costs made it clear that the 50-year-old facility had outlived its useful life. In fact, his experience building and opening the new B terminal at Sacramento International Airport vaulted Walker to the top Bigger & Brighter of the list when Brownsville South Padre Island The new terminal, set to open in January 2021, is 91,000 square International Airport (BRO) needed a new director feet, with four gates that can accommodate four narrow-body to lead its $70 million terminal project. BRYANT WALKER aircraft simultaneously. The entry hall features an expansive 45- foot glass wall that bathes check-in, baggage claim and a meet- “The city sought out director candidates and-greet area in natural sunlight. The TSA checkpoint exceeds with experience managing the myriad of challenges associated minimum design standards to prepare BRO for evolving security with the design and construction of a new terminal, who could requirements. And the entire facility was built in a modular fashion to capably lead this project,” explains Walker, who now serves the allow for future expansion predicted by 20-year traffic forecasts. dual roles of assistant city manager and aviation administrator for the city of Brownsville, TX. Walker and his team focused on business and leisure travelers when contemplating the design and customer amenities for the When he arrived at BRO in 2016, the airport was in the design new terminal. Providing convenient access to South Padre Island, phase of replacing its outdated terminal, which was constructed less than 30 minutes away by car, also guided their choices. in 1971. At just 37,000 square feet, the facility had two gates for two airlines—United and American—plus one restaurant Another key goal was modifying the terminal to accommodate and a hodgepodge of offices for airport administration, security larger aircraft supporting expanded international and general aviation January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
TERMINALS BRO 9 FACTS&FIGURES Project: New Passenger Terminal Location: Brownsville South Padre Island (TX) Int’l Airport Cost: $70.4 million Funding: Federal grants, local bonds, passenger facility charge revenue Facility Size/Scope: 91,000 sq. ft., 4 gates (2 domestic; 2 int’l swing gates) Key Elements: Modern, open design; electrochromic glass; new Customs & Border Protection facility; infrastructure for biometric technology Airport Owner: City of Brownsville, Dept. of Aviation Project Design: 2016–2018 Construction: 2017- spring 2021 Prime Consultant: Jacobs Architect: Corgan Structural & Mechanical/Electrical/ Plumbing Design: Jacobs Fire/Life Safety Engineering: Jacobs Lighting Design: Corgan; Jacobs Engineer of Record for Construction: Garver Engineering Security: Moye I.T. Consulting, LLC Biometric Hardware; Security, Self-Service service. This required increasing capacity contact gates to serve narrow body aircraft. & Display Technology; Seating & Table for both people and planes. For instance, This allows the airlines to use larger aircraft as Charging Stations: Parabit the previous gate area only held about 168 demand allows. It also increases the potential Baggage Handling System: Vic Thompson Co. passengers—less than one fully loaded 737. for additional airlines to serve the airport.” (design); G&S (installation) Even before COVID-19, holdroom space was Previously, BRO’s Customs and Border Seating: Arconas limited. With new social distancing requirements, Protection facility could only accommodate Civil Landside: Ambiotec Engineering there simply wouldn’t be enough room. general aviation operations. Its new Federal Civil Airside: Jacobs To accommodate larger Inspection Station, however, can also serve Roofing/Waterproofing: Wiss Janney Elstner aircraft, architects and commercial traffic and is designed to process Associates designers positioned the up to 200 passengers per hour. General Contractor: SpawGlass Construction new terminal 200 feet Quality Assurance/Control: Davika Construction from its predecessor. “The From Concept to Construction existing airport is sited to In terms of design, city leaders wanted a facility Construction Cameras: OxBlue only allow regional jets that connected Brownsville—which is just 15 Electrochromic Glass: Saint-Gobain (SageGlass); to serve the facility, due miles from the SpaceX South Texas Launch CristaCurva ERIK STRAIN to the proximity of the Site—to the 21st century. “Transformation Elevators/Escalators: OTIS terminal to the FAR 77 transitional surface,” is coming to the city of Brownsville,” Walker Passenger Boarding Bridges: Jetways, by JBT explains Erik Strain, project manager and vice says. “This new terminal provides the city and Airside Passenger Buses: Cobus, leased from president of Corgan. “By constructing the new management team with the infrastructure to Port of Seattle Authority terminal further from the runway, it allows for support that change.” Landscape Architect: SSP Design AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
10 BRO TERMINALS A large wall of SageGlass adds natural light; high-tech glazing provides automatic temperature and glare control. Given the tight budget, Payton and his team kept a close eye on spending. “Going in knowing what the airport was looking for, while also being aware of a constrained budget early on, really shaped the design decisions presented from the onset, making sure that we could get them aesthetically beautiful, but cost-effective alternatives,” he says. Using the required competitive bid process, the city selected Jacobs as Additional domestic and international markets may be in the airport’s future. the prime consultant, and Corgan was brought on board for architectural design. Working from a concept design report The design was complete in November Garver Engineering was retained to prepared by Jacobs that identified basic 2018, but the first of three construction manage construction from an engineering needs for the new terminal, Corgan held phases began in 2017 with new and perspective. a series of design charrettes with the relocated parking lots. During the second city’s design review board and technical phase, crews focused on building the “We essentially have a third party advisory committee to develop a vision terminal itself. The final phase, slated that wasn’t involved in the design that represented the city of Brownsville. for completion this spring, includes phase that can review the plans and Architects then developed two different demolition of the former terminal to specs as construction is happening,” designs, and solicited input from area make room for a new airside ramp and Walker explains. “Another benefit is load residents, travelers, local businesses and boarding bridges. balancing to ensure we don’t overload other airport users. the people assigned to this project.” Each phase qualified for a different While design-by-committee is never percentage of FAA funding, and the airside Although this arrangement is not typical easy, it seems to have worked in this case. phase was not funded until September for terminal construction, Walker reports 2020 with matching funds from the CARES that it is working well for BRO. “They actually Act. The rest of the project was paid for “It was a fast- ended up doing a with a combination of Airport Improvement tracked project, so public poll, and the Program (AIP) grants, FAA discretionary we were able to design that was and entitlement monies, funds from local serve as another selected is what was economic development corporations set of eyes and to implemented,” says and $8 million from the transportation help with changes Ross Payton, a Corgan infrastructure bill passed in 2018. that came up during principal. “I thought ROSS PAYTON construction,” that whole process of One provision of the AIP funding was JASON FRANK letting the region help identify and define the to use steel and manufactured goods explains Jason Frank, path forward was really interesting.” produced in the United States, per FAA’s P.E., Garver’s senior project manager and Buy American Preference program. southeast Texas Aviation lead. “We were January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
TERMINALS BRO 11 able to mesh well and had a good line of communication with the Security, Sustainability & Customer Satisfaction design team, owner and contractor.” Payton explains that the whole design—from building flow to finish Together, the team produced a two-level terminal that features materials to the curbside canopy—is intentional and focused on the a modernized check-in area with self-serve kiosks. Other new user experience. Moreover, the design team’s definition of “users” passenger amenities include expanded Wi-Fi coverage, interactive extended beyond passengers to include airport employees, airline kiosks and Parabit Systems biometrics. Designers planned the personnel, Customs and Border Protection workers, TSA officers ticket counter system so it can be modified easily as BRO moves and concessions staff. toward a self-service bag check system. Behind the scenes, the For international arrivals, the new terminal uses a leading-edge new building has updated mechanical, power and technology method called “bag first” that flips the traditional order actions occur. systems that are more energy efficient and reliable for the airport. Passengers now collect their bags before presenting for passport General contractor SpawGlass used the and identification checks. Infrastructure and technology are in place Lean process, just-in-time deliveries and for touchless processing, which is something Corgan designers constraint logs during the construction predict travelers will come to expect, even when COVID-19 is less of process. Eric C. Kennedy, president of an issue. All devices, including biometric infrastructure and scanners, the firm’s South Texas Division, notes that are integrated into a modern, compact podium constraint logs were particularly effective with antimicrobial surfaces rather than bulky helping the team identify and proactively solve legacy booths. problems. For example, instead of moving Anthony J. Wanat, architect and project ERIC C. KENNEDY chillers from the existing terminal as originally manager with Jacobs, notes that the new planned, the airport purchased new units to prevent downtime and terminal accommodates customers arriving by improve subsequent operational efficiency. car, city bus, bicycle and even walking paths. “He [Bryant Walker] spent quite a bit of time ANTHONY J. WANAT AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
12 BRO TERMINALS A new baggage handling system was an important element to accommodating more passenger volume. looking beyond the airport, going down the road, even several miles growth, but also security. That included installation of power away, where the major signs are that direct people to the airport,” and data to support the potential future migration to biometrics. explains Wanat. “I thought that was very conscientious on his part “As the terminal was under construction and suddenly we were to consider different modes of travel to and from the airport.” saddled with the impact of COVID-19, it became increasingly apparent that our commitment to future-proofing was a wise Interior upgrades include LED lighting, lighting controls investment,” Walker says. compatible with the Internet of things (IoT), daylight harvesting, individual room controls for heating/cooling and wireless access Security enhancements include the improved Federal Inspection points throughout the facility. Station for screening international arrivals and a more secure card access system integrated with a video surveillance system to One of the primary design goals was to “future-proof” the improve real-time assessment and response for security issues. building as much as possible—not only in terms of capacity and In addition, every podium, ticket counter, gate and portal between security areas has cameras able to feed into a biometrics system, which can be activated once approved. BRO can use biometric access control immediately, but full curb-to-gate coverage won’t be Combat the Threat of Pathogens implemented without airline participation. Similarly, Customs and Safe Surfaces to Relax and Recharge Border Protection biometrics won’t be activated until the agency has approval. But the infrastructure is in place to support both upgrades, and in the interim they could potentially explore the use case for edge analytics. Other terminal deployments will also support safety initiatives and the industry focus of building customer confidence. Silver ion countertops and antimicrobial films protect common touchpoints, and charging stations visibly distribute power throughout gate holds to support social distancing. BRO invested in automated robotic cleaning as well as cutting-edge needlepoint bipolar ionization technology to combat airborne pathogens. Even before COVID-19 was an omnipresent issue, the project team focused on creating a clean, healthy facility. Beyond using domestically made products to meet FAA Buy American Preference requirements, designers specified recycled or natural products sourced locally whenever possible. One of the more innovative products is a huge wall of SageGlass in the entry hall. It has electrochromic glazing that provides automatic temperature and glare control to increase customer comfort and decrease energy usage for heating and cooling. Other sustainability measures include relocating more than Parabit Charging Tables constructed with silver ion countertops and 60 palm trees to other areas of the city; crushing and reusing antimicrobial powder coating deliver safety and a premier customer experience. Available in multiple sizes, models, and configurations. demolished asphalt, limestone and concrete; and salvaging existing terminal materials to keep them out of landfills. www.parabit.com | sales@parabit.com | 516.387.0863 | January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
TERMINALS BRO 13 Inter-Industry Cooperation Although the new terminal is slated to open in January 2021, demolition of the former terminal and construction of a new airside ramp are not scheduled to be complete until spring. In the meantime, BRO is shuttling passengers between the new terminal and remote hardstand locations. A 60-foot swath of new concrete created a lane for the temporary traffic, but procuring appropriate vehicles to carry airside passengers proved to be more challenging. Cobus was unable to provide equipment on short notice, but All podiums, ticket counters, gates and portals between security areas have cameras able to feed into a biometrics system, which company personnel connected Walker with the Port of Seattle, can be activated once approved. which had 10 buses in its collective fleet that were mostly sitting idle. The Port, which operates Seattle-Tacoma International the project. During construction, team members used virtual reality Airport, will lease BRO two of its spare vehicles for the four-month goggles for clash detection and to visualize problems remotely. interim between the opening of the new terminal and subsequent Drones and OxBlue construction cameras allowed them to monitor installation of its boarding bridges. construction progress without being on site. Construction in the Time of Coronavirus In retrospect, Wanat says that touring other facilities (before the Local pandemic shutdowns occurred after crews had enclosed pandemic hit) helped Walker and Assistant Airport Director Shawn most of the new terminal, but they still influenced the rest of the Schroeder make decisions about materials for the new terminal. project. Although much of the early design collaboration occurred Seeing electrochromic glass installed, and talking to other building in-person before the shutdowns, team members in Houston, operators about its pros and cons was especially valuable. “I think Dallas and the Rio Grande Valley relied on videoconferencing and a that went a very long way to give them the confidence to go ahead building information modeling platform for sharing files throughout and spend the premium dollars to have that at their facility,” he says. Design Smarter MAINTENANCE Manufacture Installation DESIGN | BUILD SPECIALIZING IN BAGGAGE HANDLING SOLUTIONS If you would like more information on our product and services please contact us at: 3751 New York Avenue, Suite 140 • Arlington, Texas 76014, USA • T. 817-557-5600 PHONE: 403-230-1140 | 888-328-8826 | FAX: 403-293-9774 www.vtc.us.com GSAirportConveyor.com AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
14 BRO TERMINALS During construction, the general schedule, used the wait time to complete Grande Valley. It’s a beautiful facility that’s contractor created a 25-page COVID-19 other tasks and met the original deadlines. ready for cutting edge of technology.” mitigation plan (in English and Spanish) to When approaching the project’s finish address new safety policies for the project. Teamwork to the Finish Line line in November, Walker was remaining To gain access to the jobsite, crews had With the added challenges of working careful not to rush. “We want to make to enter through a trailer with an infrared during a historic pandemic, it took a strong sure that we maintain a sharp focus camera that checked for elevated body team effort to complete the terminal on and complete the project really strong temperatures as they passed through. time, in good form. to provide the highest quality terminal All 250 on-site workers were required to Kennedy credits Walker and Schroeder possible for the citizens and community,” wear face coverings and maintain social for their decisiveness. “Sometimes we he explains. distancing even when it was logistically work with clients who are hesitant,” he After the ribbon cutting on Dec. 11 and difficult. Installing sheetrock on scissor lifts says. “But Bryant and Shawn were both a few subsequent open houses, crews will 40 feet in the air was one of the biggest very instrumental in making decisions and sterilize the entire building, and specialists challenges. “We had to come up with keeping the project moving forward. We will complete security checks and innovative ways to keep workers 6 feet apart were able to make it through the pandemic operational readiness testing to prepare for using jacks and Plexiglas partitions, but we and finish the job successfully because of the public opening in early January. didn’t cut corners,” emphasizes Kennedy. their leadership.” “We got creative to keep everyone safe.” The project team is scheduled to Walker was also known for maintaining complete the final phase of construction— Fortunately, contractors experienced high quality standards. “Bryant has big demolishing the old terminal and installing only minor delays in material deliveries. In visions for the airport,” says Frank. “This the new apron and boarding bridges— response, they reworked the construction is going to be a crown jewel in the Rio during the second quarter of 2021. January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
16 FLL WAYFINDING Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Updates Signs for Motorists BY VICTORIA SOUKUP New signage is making it fonts and formatting easier for drivers to navigate were prescribed by a Broward County’s Fort Signage and Wayfinding FACTS&FIGURES Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). Master Plan that was Project: New Exterior Landside Signage A comprehensive project substantially completed in 2014. completed in December replaced aging signs “We spent a lot of Location: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FL) Int’l Airport with brighter, easier-to-read LED displays. time developing these Operated by: Broward County Aviation Dept. The new digital units allow the Florida airport standards,” explains STACI MONTEFUSCO Est. Cost: $15.3 million to update messages and instructions for Staci Montefusco, Funding: Bonds; passenger facility charges drivers in a matter of minutes. Estimated cost expansion project administrator at the Scope: 5,390 signs (4,800 in parking garages; 550 for the project is $15.3 million. Broward County Aviation Department. “It curbside; 39 on entry road) was important that a passenger finding “The addition of these his or her way to FLL had an easy time Installation: Sept. 2019 through Sept. 2021 modern and vibrant navigating, that they didn’t have information Wayfinding/Architecture/Engineering: navigational signs is overload, and that we had a clear and Gresham Smith another example of concise messaging hierarchy.” Digital Displays: Daktronics how FLL is working to elevate the airport Most installations occurred from September Technology Consultant: Arora Engineers Inc. guest experience from 2019 to December 2020, however final General Contractor: Horsepower Electric Inc. arrival to departure,” MARK GALE completion of the overall wayfinding signage Subcontractor: AUM Construction Inc. says Mark Gale, chief project is expected in September with the Electrical Consultant: DeRose Design Consultant executive officer/director of Aviation for the addition of more than 300 interior and exterior Static Signage: L&H Sign Co. Broward County Aviation Department. signs in the Rental Car Center. Roadway Static Panels: Interstate SignWays In total, the airport installed nearly While the latest phase of the project Roadway Sensors: TrafficCast, a division of Iteris 5,400 new signs. Details such as colors, focused exclusively on roadways, curbsides January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
WAYFINDING FLL 17 and parking garages, signage inside the terminals is also being updated in stages. That work is part of a larger modernization initiative that began in 2016 with Terminals 1 and 4; Terminals 2 and 3 are slated for completion by fourth-quarter 2021. A Logo is Worth a Thousand Words Improved over-roadway signage is one of the most visible elements of the recent project. As drivers approach the airport, a series of five dynamic 10-by-32-foot LED signs provide airline information for each of FLL’s four terminals. The former static signs, which listed carriers on colored backgrounds coded to the four terminals (yellow for T1, red for T2, purple for T3 and green for T4) had become dull and weathered, making them difficult to read. The electronic signs include full-color airline logos. “Motorists can recognize an airline logo easier than reading the airline name when trying to determine which terminal they should go to,” explains Montefusco. David Park, senior experiential and wayfinding designer at Gresham Smith, notes that logos help motorists process the rapid Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport succession of information they are presented Terminal 2 Modernization with when entering the airport. “A driver GreshamSmith.com doesn’t have a lot of time between signs to DAVID PARK AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
18 FLL WAYFINDING process all the information,” Park says. “Since the No. 1 question LED displays are viewed from closer for anybody coming into the airport is ‘Where’s my airline?’ using distances. logos makes those decisions easier as motorists quickly scan the Color was important, too. The airline signage.” logos on FLL’s new digital signs have Digital signs provide more than just colored backgrounds that match the airlines’ enhanced graphics, adds LeAnn Holler, sales logos corporate colors, per Daktronics’ manager for the Southeast U.S. Region of recommendation. Clint Barber, project Daktronics’ Transportation Group, which manager for the company’s Southeast U.S. CLINT BARBER provided 81 LED displays for the project. Region, explains that white backgrounds, “The airport wanted to use more logos and common for printed graphics, increase the intensity level of digital directional graphics and have more color signs and cost more to operate because they draw more power. in the background,” says Holler. “You can’t LEANN HOLLER “We wanted to reinforce the same messaging that’s on the always achieve that with a static sign. But roadway, so when motorists approach the curbside, the dynamic they also wanted the signage to be changeable and digital and, sign also has the airline logo,” says Montefusco. more importantly, dynamic. That really was the goal.” In total, the airport has 39 new road signs. Three are Edward Hart, vice president and special electronic, and five (the large overhead signs) are dynamic. systems discipline lead at Arora Engineers, notes that pixel pitch (the space between LED Boards for Breaking News individual pixels) was an important factor. In addition to new signs, the airport installed two LED messaging Taking into account average viewing boards above the main entry road. Airport personnel program distance, sign content and motorists’ the 15-by-11-foot boards to provide drivers with up-to-date average speed, a team from Arora and information about issues of widespread importance such as traffic Daktronics determined that a 15.85 mm EDWARD HART delays, weather alerts and, since the advent of COVID-19, face- pixel pitch would provide the clearest covering requirements. viewing for over-roadway terminal signs. Smaller digital signs located closer to the terminal have a 10 mm pixel pitch. Curbside The airport recently used the messaging boards to inform and signs have an even tighter pixel pitch of 8 mm because curbside re-direct motorists when one of its terminals was temporarily closed overnight for emergency power infrastructure upgrades. “We avoided having to set up temporary curbside or roadway Planning and Design | Program & Construction Management signage,” says FLL’s Montefusco. Facilities Management | IT | Asset Management / IWMS More typically, staff use the digital message boards to warn drivers about traffic Arora is proud congestion before they are stuck in the to be part of the middle of it. Bluetooth sensors installed on FLL Signage and the roadway by Horsepower Electric provide operations personnel with traffic data. When Wayfinding Master congestion is detected, personnel program Plan Team! the message boards to alert drivers about PROJECT SCOPE: impending backups and suggest an alternate Dynamic Signage route. This allows drivers who are picking up Software Control LEARN MORE AT: passengers to arrange a new meeting spot. Software Integration with www.aroraengineers.com/project/fll-signage “The boards can tell motorists that if they use the Airport Enterprise the suggested route, they will get through the Parking System airport traffic faster because, for instance, one New Bluetooth Enabled level may have a 30-minute delay while the Traffic Monitoring System for Heavy Traffic Alert other level has no traffic issues,” Hart explains. Display and Functionality Montefusco notes that the new message Specifications boards allow FLL to address evolving Installation Requirements conditions much more quickly. When a and Testing Requirements change was needed with the old system, personnel had to create a work order, and crewmembers would physically alter the signs aroraengineers.com | Rethinking Infrastructure | ® from a bucket truck. Atlanta | Baltimore | Boston | Charlotte | Chicago | Dallas | Los Angeles | Nashville | New York | Philadelphia | St. Petersburg | San Jose January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
WAYFINDING FLL 19 “Now, all of that work can be done in a minute or two, and does not require anyone actually going out on the roadway and disrupting traffic to change a sign,” she says. “It gives us enormous flexibility.” Supporting Elements Engineers had to route electrical power to many of the dynamic signs and some of the new static signs. Benjamin Goebel, of Gresham Smith, explains that this process was time-consuming, but relatively uncomplicated, because most of the sources BENJAMIN GOEBEL came directly from the terminals or power points along the roadway. Routing data communication lines to each of the new LED signs, however, was more challenging. The project team opted against transmitting information to signs Curbside signs include airline logos wirelessly because of the potential for hacking and because of for faster, easier recognition by the propensity for severe weather in the area. Storms in southern drivers and passengers. Florida can wreak havoc with wireless communications, Hart and Goebel note. “It all had to be hardwired,” says Goebel. “And in some cases, we had to route all the way back to some of the main garages, on exit doors and in baggage claim areas to keep terminal buildings and then out thousands of feet to the new digital passengers updated. Informational signage was posted two and dynamic signage.” weeks before work began, and it remained up for two weeks after each floor was finished. Although the improved over-roadway signs are about the same size as their predecessors, the new digital units are heavier than The airport also repainted the parking structure interiors. “Each the old static signs. As such, engineers had to make significant floor is a different color,” explains Montefusco. “If a passenger structural modifications to the existing supports to prevent the doesn’t remember where they parked, they might remember need for FLL to spend millions of dollars on new structures. “Any time you have a design solution that can save money, that’s great,” remarks Park. SWEEP YOUR AIRFIELD Better Wayfinding in Garages One of the most challenging aspects of the project was updating signage in the airport’s BETTER, FASTER, SAFER THE FOD*BOSS AIRFIELD SWEEPER IS THE CURE FOR three parking garages. In total, crews installed FOREIGN OBJECT DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT, GUARANTEED. more than 4,800 signs (all static)—far more • Unbeatable performance • Efficient and fast, up to 35 mph volume than in other areas. • Removes rocks, nuts & bolts, luggage • Works on all surfaces hardware, and sand • Low cost, portable, and reliable New signage, some illuminated, provides • No motors, vacuums, or magnets • Maintenance free guests with additional guidance to elevators • Sweep widths 8', 16', & 24' • 10 year guarantee and terminals. A new, more linear numbering system for rows helps them find their vehicles when they return. Renumbering the rows required a careful approach. “Replacing signage took three months, so we had to add temporary signs in all three garages that explained the changes,” says Montefusco. Park notes that the project team took extra care to inform visitors about future changes— for instance, warning passengers that their parking spots might be renumbered when they returned after their trips. Wayfinding keys that outlined specific changes were displayed throughout the Contact us to arrange a demonstration and see for yourself what makes our sweeper truly exceptional at fodboss@aerosweep.com or visit www.fodboss.com The FOD*BOSS system is subject to patents and or patent applications. AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
20 FLL WAYFINDING the color of the floor they are on along with the quadrant of the parking garage.” Beyond temporary signage, FLL used social media and its website to forewarn and alert the public about changes in its parking garages; but some guests still had trouble finding their vehicles. When that happened, airport and parking personnel often used the garages’ license plate recognition system to help them. Widespread Enhancements Reflecting on the project, Park from Gresham Smith details several improvements at FLL: It’s easier for motorists to get to the airport; it’s easier for passengers leaving the terminals to find ground transportation; and it’s easier for drivers to navigate parking at the airport. “We cleaned it up quite a bit,” he says. “They had a mishmash of different signage aesthetics. The logic is better now in terms of when information is presented to the customer. In addition, there are fewer signs along the curbside. Airports tend to add many signs over the years, and we were able to clean that up and reduce the visual clutter.” Graphic consistency is key for wayfinding cues and signage. Marc Gambrill, FLL’s aviation chief development officer and assistant director of aviation for capital development, emphasizes January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
WAYFINDING FLL 21 the value of developing a master plan—and resisting the inevitable temptation to tinker with it after it is New signs help passengers find approved. “It is very important so everyone knows what various ground you are working on,” he says. “Once you have a plan, transportation the executives and the organization have to stick with options. the plan and move forward with it and not modify it as you go.” The project team also consulted ACRP Report 52, MARC GAMBRILL Wayfinding and Signing Guidelines for Airport Terminals and Landside. “It gave us guidance on best practices,” he adds. Montefusco says that the project improves FLL in a variety of ways: The new digital roadway signs clearly identify airline and terminal locations; curbside signs reinforce airline locations and direct passengers to the best terminal door for ticketing; and the new color-coding system and more plentiful, brighter signs with larger fonts in the parking garages make it easier for customers to find their vehicles. Like so many other projects, installing the new signage occurred while the facility was open and serving customers. “We had to keep reminding the team that FLL is an operational facility and that every moment counts for the passenger,” Montefusco recalls. “You can’t just take down a sign and not put another one up. You should at least have a temporary signage plan to guide the passenger through.” ROADWAY CURBSIDE CONCOURSE DAKTRONICS.COM/AIRPORTS AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
22 CVG TECHNOLOGY Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Int’l Leverages Innovation BY THOMAS J. SMITH Stroll through Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International In short, innovation is part of CVG’s brand. And having a chief Airport (CVG) and you might encounter a machine without innovation officer on its organizational chart demonstrates a an operator scrubbing the floors, a small cargo pod commitment to the approach. dutifully rolling behind an employee as if by magic, and any number Standing still or maintaining the status quo is not acceptable, of other tech-forward devices hard at work. explains Cobb. Instead, the airport emphasizes improving on Why the emphasis on futuristic innovations? To build a what it did yesterday. “If that involves technology, you can call it compelling brand experience that keeps passengers coming back. innovation,” he comments. “But it is really about how you propel your brand forward.” “Unlike anywhere else in the U.S., CVG is surrounded by five other competing airports He describes innovation as a combination of all within a 60- to 90-minute drive,” explains talent, technology and change management. Brian Cobb, CVG’s chief innovation officer. “The aviation industry is full of innovative “Consumers in this drive-centric geography approaches,” says Chief Executive Officer have choices about which airport they will Candace McGraw. “At CVG, we are use. You need to create a fandom approach strategically positioning our airport for the so that decision moves away from utilitarian to BRIAN COBB future by leaning into new ways of thinking trust and a love of the product. If consistent, and advancing technologies. By doing this, CANDACE MCGRAW just as in sports, fans will come back year after year.” January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
TECHNOLOGY CVG 23 we establish partnerships and test traditional vending machine would require options because many concessions technology in a live airport environment, 10 times that space to store a similar remain closed or are open for very limited all to enhance the airport experience number of filled plastic or glass bottles. hours; but there are fewer passengers to for travelers, business partners and the support the concessions that are open. CVG is also working with PathWater, community.” a firm that sells purified water in reusable That all-too-common dichotomy is To do so, Cobb and his staff leverage aluminum bottles. The company, also from prompting Cobb to search for ways to help their annual budget to research and test California, plans to sell its bottled water concession operators reengage—perhaps a wide range of developing products and via existing concessionaires and vending by matching their schedules and locations services. Together, they assess MVPS machines; but the coronavirus pandemic to the airlines’ arrival and departure (minimum viable product status); and if is hampering its rollout. schedules in near real-time. “We need to test results demonstrate enough potential, be more intelligent on what the consumer is “Right now, the retailers are trying the team develops revenue strategies to doing and spending,” he muses. to figure out how to survive rather than pay for full deployment. bringing on new product concepts,” The airport is also a member of says Cobb. “When they are ready to Cintrifuse, a technology business re-open and are looking to improve their incubator supported by the area’s product offerings, this one speaks to the Fortune 500 companies, universities, local sustainability elements.” governments and small businesses. He hopes PathWater will be available at CVG by this spring. The airport does not H2Oh Cool have a master concessionaire to run new Sustainability and enhancing the customer products through. Instead, HMS Host and experience are two key elements Cobb’s Paradies Lagardère manage and lease team considers when looking for ways retail and food/beverage spaces. to diversify concessions. The September Housekeeping workers receive messages on arrival of two Drop Water vending Service, Will Robinson smart watches when restrooms need service. machines, one in each concourse, Robotic ventures are another main checked both boxes. The self-service machines dispense plain, flavored and/or category for Cobb and his cohorts. In late Date-Driven Approach fall, they began a 12-week trial of gita, a CVG uses information from a variety of caffeinated water into a customer’s own 2-foot tall “personal robot” designed and sources to gain insight about customers’ reusable bottle or a cardboard “bottle” manufactured by Piaggio Fast Forward. spending habits. from inside the machine. Cobb likens the Airport personnel have been testing gita’s vending units to Coca-Cola Freestyle® In fact, it was the first U.S. airport ability to carry passengers’ items from the machines found in quick-serve restaurants to deploy Bluetooth and Wi-Fi “sniffer” security checkpoint to the gate area. Cobb and convenience stores. sensors. CVG originally installed the also sees the potential for the droid-like sensors at its security checkpoint to collect “It is a fun-to-use machine,” he says unit to deliver food orders to passengers real-time information about wait-times, of the mix-and-match options it offers already at the gates. which was used to guide decisions about customers. “And it is clearly a sustainable “We are using the [pandemic] slowdown reallocating staff resources to reduce wait- approach.” as an opportunity to deploy new times. Later, it added additional sensors Regarding sustainability features, products,” Cobb explains. “Passengers throughout the facility to collect information the company’s patented cardboard will see all the differences and see that we about travelers’ traffic patterns. containers can be reused before used the time wisely.” CVG also participates in the Airport beginning to deteriorate, and then they’re In November, CVG served about 5,000 Service Quality program, administered recyclable or compostable. Moreover, the travelers per day—roughly 40% its usual by the Airports Council International, to vending machines filter the airport’s tap volume. receive immediate feedback from travelers water, so the Silicon Valley startup does Currently, the challenge is determining as they complete iPad surveys at the not transport it in vehicles that burn diesel how to best serve travelers and the gate. The airport has also gathered data fuel and produce emissions. concession tenants. through online surveys in the past. “We really think this is the future of “In this COVID era, travelers go through And completing the tech loop, CVG’s bottled drinks,” says Drop Water Chief screening and head immediately to their restrooms are equipped with sensors that Executive Officer Scott Edwards. gate and do not leave it,” says Cobb, count the number of guests using each From a footprint perspective (critical noting that this behavior is taking a toll on particular facility. Housekeepers wear for most airports), each of the company’s retail and food/beverage sales. Samsung Gear Watches, enabled with vending machines holds more than TaskWatch technology, that alert them He considers the situation a doubled- 1,000 of its empty cardboard bottles. A when a restroom needs to be serviced. edged sword. Passengers have fewer AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
24 CVG TECHNOLOGY Innovations Making the Grade Here is a sampling of the innovations without flavoring (there are six options) that are currently in the works or already and/or caffeine (three concentration deployed at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky levels). Customers also decide whether to International Airport (CVG). dispense the water into their own refillable bottles or 16-ounce cardboard containers Product: Sustainable water vending from the machine. machines Company: Drop Water Plain water dispensed into a customer’s Hometown: Redwood City, CA bottle is free, and adding flavoring costs Status at CVG: On site since fall 2019 $1. Plain water dispensed into a Drop Water container costs $2, with prices When Drop Water installed two of its ranging up to $3.45 for flavoring and three vending machines at CVG last fall, it was a caffeine shots. homecoming of sorts. The company originally connected with the airport in 2018 after Customers using the company’s app tested its machines for six months at San winning a $25,000 grant at an international can order and pay for drinks without Francisco International Airport (SFO) in late event sponsored by a technology business touching the vending machine—a feature 2019 and in November 2019 installed its incubator that CVG supports. that has become more popular during the first permanent vending machines in San coronavirus pandemic. Jose International Airport (SJC). Company Drop Water vending machines filter the airport’s tap water and dispense it CVG is the second U.S. airport to offer officials are currently negotiating to bring chilled or at room temperature, with or customers Drop Water beverages. The firm its water machines back into SFO. • • • • • • • Harry J. Mason | 312.771.0094 | January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
TECHNOLOGY CVG 25 Product: Neo, an autonomous ranked by SkyTrax), CVG is currently the floor cleaner only U.S. airport with a Neo. Company: Avidbots The machine can clean 40,000 square Hometown: Kitchener, ON feet per hour, and a battery pack powers Status at CVG: Deployed in the floor scrubber for six hours. Its January 2020 112-liter water tank also lasts six hours in Neo, an autonomous commercial most cleaning situations. At CVG, Neo is floor scrubber from Avidbots, has been deployed around-the-clock. operating full-time at CVG for more than Before its first mission, the robot was one year. The airport tested the device programed with a map of the airport’s for two months before putting it into concourses; but it also “teaches itself” to operation. Since its arrival at CVG, Neo navigate around anything new in its path. has cleaned more than 5 million square For instance, Neo will stop and adjust if it feet of flooring. encounters unexpected objects or people. The machine applies a solution of soap The unit also alerts the housekeeping and water, scrubs the floor with cleaning staff when it approaches sensitive objects disks and then vacuums up the dirty such as museum pieces on display at the water to leave the floor dry—all without an airport. Personnel then switch it to manual operator. mode to clean floors in that area. Although Avidbots has its equipment Because the machine has optical in five of the world’s top 10 airports (as sensors and cameras to “see,” it can PROVIDING A FULL CONTINUUM OF INNOVATIVE AVIATION SERVICES TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE OUR NATION’S INFRASTRUCTURE Runway 16/34 Rehabilitation Westchester County Airport MBAKERINTL.COM AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
26 CVG TECHNOLOGY clean around passengers’ luggage. In the future, Neo may even be programmed to alert security about unattended baggage. Cobb, notes that CVG’s robot floor scrubber is especially valuable during the coronavirus pandemic because it shows travelers that the airport cleans and sanitizes throughout the day—not just at night. Neo also cleans floors in a minimally intrusive manner and frees up housekeeping staff to devote more time to other cleaning and sanitizing duties, adds Jeff Schrantz, vice president of global sales for Avidbots. Currently, CVG has one Neo machine in operation, which it purchased with capital funds rather than operating revenue. The airport is considering leasing a second unit when passenger traffic, and the associated grime, pick up. Product: gita, a personal cargo-carrying robot Company: Piaggio Fast Forward Hometown: Boston Status at CVG: Ongoing pilot Argus_VR_Print_AdR4.pdf 2 7/13/20 1:52 PM Manage your smart facilities at SAIM.com C M Y CM standard for MY CY CMY j January | February 2021 AirportImprovement.com
TECHNOLOGY CVG 27 Late last fall, CVG began a 12-week During CVG’s proof-of-concept Cobb foresees two possible roles for trial of gita (pronounced JEE’-tah), a pilot, staff had the personal robot carry gita at CVG: helping passengers with their personal robot that carries luggage materials for meetings around the carry-on items between the TSA checkpoint and other items up to 40 pounds. One concourse so travelers could see it in and gate area; and picking up food orders reviewer described the 2-foot-tall machine action; and response was enthusiastic. from concessionaires and delivering them to as a “cargo-carrying droid.” In fact, 90% of airport guests who were passengers already at the gates. surveyed said they would use gita and While CVG is the first airport to test the Toward that end, Lynn notes that gita wished it were already in service. product, individual owners and planned was designed so a large suitcase can communities in the U.S. and Europe are Before the COVID-19 pandemic, stand on end in its cargo area. already using gita to carry groceries, CVG reached out to at least five robot Cobb envisions the fee for luggage shopping bags and other parcels. Piaggio companies seeking a pilot program at the transport at $10 to $15 for a 30-minute Fast Forward sells gita online directly to airport. “We see this as a growth strategy,” block of time. CVG could also add a consumers for $3,250. Cobb explains, adding that he was surcharge for food deliveries by gita, surprised how quickly Piaggio Fast Forward Greg Lynn, the company’s chief much as street side restaurants add a fee arranged an onsite trial. executive officer, explains that gita uses for Door Dash or Uber Eats delivery. optical scanners to pair with and follow “We have had a lot of requests from Likely customers would be aging its operator. “It understands who it is to other airports to have gita run things to travelers and parents with small children. follow and never takes its sensors off the the planes or work behind the scenes… “If it works with these demographics, then person as it is following them,” he relates. but they were not a good fit,” Lynn it can be used by any,” says Cobb. “Our core business is to understand the comments. “CVG was the first airport pedestrian environment. It is not like an with a vision of helping people to be more Piaggio Fast Forward designs and industrial robot that you have to map efficient rather than replacing people.” builds gita in Boston, but the firm is everything [for].” affiliated with the Italian manufacturer of Vespa scooters. Sustainability. Resiliency. Helping clients prosper. IS YOUR BUSINESS IMAGE EVERYTHING IT COULD BE? Guided by these principles, we’ll keep your airport soaring. Learn more at rsandh.com/aviation. Difference r The Cyclone ener, Cleane Faster, Gre e-tipped spray 24 sapphir head, up to with the Cyclone the surface Faster! Withind to high speed rotating arms, blast mph – equival ent to a nozzles, mounte vortex at 140 s removed, in a swirling , and deposit pressure water is being cleaned ultra-high the surface water – cyclone. As s the waste category 4 simulta neously recover atented Cyclone the multi-p . with no vacuum up to design utilizes advanced 95% of Technology’s ption while Greener! Cyclonewith 20% lower fuel consum waste tank separates water on-board 50% less fresh instantly. The process is recovered liner. The entire wastewater biodegradable 160 micron through a solid waste chemicals! water – no uses only fresh e water blasting After. CY210 is gh pressur Before and illustration. combin ation of ultra-hig while causing shown in this Cleaner! Thevortex provides exceptional cleanin with the Cyclone . e to your surface no damag CY210 requiring ind for areas with Walk-Beh rability; used more maneuve other trailers that or the TR5500 ents. meet requirem Becker 505 specializes in marketing and design for the aviation industry. Let us create your corporate identity, TR5500 When used for small jobs and hard to it’s ideal with the CY210reach areas. 1/16/15 4:31 PM advertisements and marketing campaigns so you can get PerviousAd _V5.indd 2 back to what you do best — running your business! CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE AND CONSULTATION INFO@BECKER505.COM | 608.205.2788 | BECKER505.COM AirportImprovement.com January | February 2021
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