South Terminal C Technology and Multi-Media System Engineering at Orlando International Airport

Burns led technology, multimedia and special-systems engineering, bringing to life The Orlando Experience throughout the 1.6-million-square-foot, world-class terminal.

Construction of the $2.8-billion South Terminal Complex integrated dozens of leading-edge technology systems. Passenger-centric designs accommodated an additional 10 million travelers at Orlando International Airport, creating a passenger experience unlike any other.

Amenities and enhanced systems fulfill Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s capacity goals, expedite passenger processes, uphold the highest security standards, and provide entertainment during traveler dwell times. The South Terminal Complex is the first LEED®v4 airport campus.

Burns provided low-voltage technology and special systems design engineering for state-of-the art connectivity, air traffic control, and airport security services. As specialty system design experts, Burns project managers applied proficiency and technology best practices throughout the planning, procurement and implementation phases of a wide range of specialized information technology services.

Noteworthy technology systems include:

• Virtual Ramp Control (VRC) systems precisely display aircraft operations on video walls, providing controllers with full, unobstructed visibility of airfield traffic. The VRC allows for an increase in air traffic while limiting aircraft congestion.
• Visual Docking Guidance Systems across 22 gates allow pilots to park aircraft themselves, ultimately reducing taxiing time. Laser-scanning technology captures and tracks aircraft movement, providing the pilot with real-time navigation.
• 100-percent automated security screening in the TSA checkout lanes and facial recognition capabilities improve boarding process efficiency and uphold flight security.
• Large-scale multimedia installations excite the imagination. Nearly 4,000-square-feet of displays showcase live-action, expertly produced, and interactive content. Multimedia features create a 360-degree immersive experience that takes visitors to iconic locations around Florida, alongside marine life, and even to the surface of Mars.
• One of the first North American airports to install a Passive Optical Network (PON), utilizing fiber-optic technology to create a high-speed, future-proofed, energy-efficient IT system.

Burns established a test lab that assisted GOAA to investigate and test performance of new technologies before widespread implementation. Burns’ design and enhanced construction support services covered:

• Audio-video and communication technologies
• Multimedia content management systems
• Enhanced passenger processing
• Physical and electronic security
• Wi-Fi and radio infrastructure

The South Terminal Complex opened to the public in October 2022 and received the Airport Business 2023 Project of the Year in the Terminal category.

Previous special system design projects include work performed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.

Photos © Michael Robinson