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.” BEYOND FLIGHT INFORMATION > STRATEGIC CONTENT > SMARTER SYSTEMS > ELEVATED EXPERIENCES LEARN MORE AT SYNECTMEDIA.COM/FIDS
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