20
INFO TECHNOLOGY 
November | December 2026      AirportImprovement.com
BUR
The Virtues of New
Just as the design-build team gained significant latitude by having a 
greenfield site for the new terminal, technology specialists relished 
designing a network for a new building. Czaplicki considered it an 
incredible opportunity. “Rather than retrofitting older infrastructure, 
we integrated advanced wireless technology directly into the 
construction process,” she relates. 
The importance of involving technology specialists, consultants, 
partners and airport staff from the first day of terminal design 
cannot be understated, Kimball adds—particularly given BUR’s 
aggressive program schedule. Changes made later, during 
construction, created additional costs, change orders and 
structural challenges.
For example, early planning allowed Boingo to map dedicated 
headend equipment spaces, cable pathways and coverage needs 
before facility walls were erected. It also provided time to engineer 
discreet mounting solutions so access points blend into the 
terminal’s architecture. 
“Because this was a brand-new terminal, the network also 
had to complement the architectural vision and construction 
schedule,” notes Czaplicki. “We worked closely with airport 
leadership, designers and other trades to integrate equipment 
discreetly and install it at the right stages of the build.” 
That early collaboration proved invaluable for a project of this 
scale with an accelerated timeline, ensuring that technology was 
integrated from the start, Czaplicki says.
“It’s very hard when you’re going through the construction 
phase if you want to change something—there are costs and 
structural changes along with that,” Kimball notes. “You need to 
take time early on and develop a great plan; you need to have 
people around you that understand the technology and your 
objectives.” 
Connection to the Future
“BUR’s new terminal opening represents an incredible milestone 
for Southern California, especially as the world turns its attention 
toward the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Czaplicki says. 
“Seeing BUR lead the nation by launching one of the very first 
airport Wi-Fi 7 deployments is a testament to prioritizing innovation 
and the passenger experience.” 
Bringing BUR into the digital age opens up opportunities for 
additional revenue streams, Kimball adds. “We’ll be working with 
our partners to try to leverage that.” 
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