Engineering Design for Minimal Operations Impact at the World's Busiest Airport

KAI has been selected to provide MEPFP engineering services as part of the ongoing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) Master Plan program. Updated by the Airport in 2023, this long-term initiative includes multiple projects planned over the next 20 years.

Currently, KAI is leading the mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering design for the Terminal North Ticketing Lobby Reconfiguration. As the world’s busiest airport, HJAIA’s Terminal North Ticketing Lobby required a major update to accommodate recent increases in passenger traffic and to support future growth in air travel.

Complex Phasing to Keep Airport Operations Running Smoothly

All airlines—except Delta, which operates from Terminal South—use Terminal North for ticketing operations. In designing mechanical systems for each ticket counter, KAI had to account for the specific needs and operational procedures of each airline. To avoid disrupting services, the team developed a highly detailed and carefully phased construction plan that minimized downtime for each airline. Using Revit modeling and CAD-based phasing plans, KAI clearly communicated construction sequencing to the build teams, ensuring a smooth execution with minimal operational impact.

Meeting Today’s Codes with Limited Historical Data

Terminal North is located in a building more than 50 years old, and the Airport had very limited existing documentation of its conditions. This presented a challenge for designing upgrades that meet current codes and energy standards. Through close collaboration with project architects Fentress Studios and EXP, KAI engineers developed updated as-built drawings, enabling the team to modernize the system and equipment (S&E) in accordance with current standards such as IECC 2017 and HJAIA’s greeningATL program.

In-House Airport Operations Expertise

KAI’s team includes a former project manager with ATL Next, the program manager that oversees the design and implementation of capital improvement projects at the airport. With more than seven years of hands-on experience at HJAIA, this team member’s expertise was vital in coordinating the placement of equipment and piping in operational zones, reducing the time construction teams will need in restricted or high-traffic areas. Having a team member with deep knowledge of airport regulations and operational logistics gives KAI a significant advantage in minimizing disruptions and maintaining safety throughout the project lifecycle.

All renderings courtesy of Fentress Studios.