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AirportImprovement.com      November | December 2026
TERMINALS 
BUR
Johnson says the terminal’s greatest architectural feature, “The 
Silver Screen,” also posed some of the greatest challenges on the 
sloped site. Because the facade encompasses both the terminal 
and parking garage with two independent frames, it added 
structural challenges, particularly regarding seismic issues.  
Construction on a 14-acre greenfield site kept operational 
impacts to a minimum. While some work-arounds were needed 
during taxiway tie ins, construction crews largely had the worksite 
to themselves. 
The former 1930 terminal served its last passengers on 
Monday, Oct. 12, and the move to the new terminal across 
campus occurred overnight. “This was only way we could do it,” 
Johnson says, adding that the fast transition was front and center 
from the beginning of the project. The ORAT team, led by Jacobs, 
prepared aggressively, working with airlines, tenants, vendors and 
airport staff to create a smooth switchover.      
Eco Elements
Because of environmental issues from a former aerospace and 
aircraft development operation, grading operations were limited 
to the top 25 feet of the site. Excavated material and pavement 
grindings were reused, reducing construction costs and the 
amount of potentially contaminated material hauled offsite. 
With the intention of achieving at least LEED Silver status and a 
stretch goal of Gold, the project includes 300+ charging stations 
for electric vehicles in the new parking structure, electric ground 
support equipment, energy-efficient lighting and water fixtures, 
daylighting, photovoltaic panels and connections to the regional 
transit network. 
With holdrooms lining the entire west wall, the design team 
conducted significant analysis to harness natural daylight 
while controlling the associated heat. Solar shading canopies 
and overhangs together with high-performance windows by 
Architectural Glass & Aluminum optimize natural light and thermal 
comfort, while a high-efficiency LED lighting system, daylighting 
controls and demand-controlled ventilation minimize energy 
consumption. Installation of a photovoltaic panel array provides 
BUR with clean, renewable solar energy. 
The new terminal was designed to be fully electric, including 
heating/cooling and cooking appliances in kitchens for food 
and beverage vendors. This meant working closely with 
concessionaires to adapt their equipment for the all-electric 
requirement. 
Follow us @JacobsConnects  |  jacobs.com
Jacobs congratulates the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority  
and the entire project team on the successful opening of the new Replacement  
Passenger Terminal. 
It has been a privilege to contribute to this transformative investment in the region’s 
future. We celebrate this achievement and the collaboration, dedication and vision 
that made it possible.

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