Charlotte Airport Expansion Commissioning Challenges Explored

Video examines testing complex systems around active airport operations

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A new video from Hanson Professional Services examines the challenges of commissioning a 190,000-square-foot expansion of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport terminal. The session discusses scheduling issues for testing critical systems like emergency power, baggage handling, and air handling units while working around the airport's active operations.

Why it matters

Commissioning large-scale airport expansions requires careful coordination to ensure new systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure while minimizing disruptions to travelers. This video provides insights into the unique challenges faced by engineers and commissioning agents working on active airport projects.

The details

The video features presentations from Hanson's Wade Conlan, PE, CxA, LEED AP, and Christa Barsanti, EI, who discuss the impact of airport security and operations on testing schedules, the process for verifying baggage handling systems, and the challenges of coordinating commissioning tasks around an active facility.

  • The 190,000-square-foot terminal expansion project is currently underway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The players

Wade Conlan

PE, CxA, LEED AP, Commissioning & Energy Discipline Manager at Hanson Professional Services Inc. with over 29 years of design and commissioning experience.

Christa Barsanti

EI, Commissioning and Energy Specialist at Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Hanson Professional Services Inc.

An engineering consulting firm that has led numerous global projects across building sectors.

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What they’re saying

“Commissioning expansion projects can be difficult due to working around the operations of an existing facility. This is especially the case when the facility is an active airport and the project is a 190,000-square-foot expansion of an existing terminal.”

— Wade Conlan, PE, CxA, LEED AP, Commissioning & Energy Discipline Manager

What’s next

Many topics related to commissioning, AI advancements, building technology and energy management will be discussed at CxEnergy 2026, a conference and expo taking place April 21–24, 2026, in Chicago.

The takeaway

Commissioning large-scale airport expansions requires meticulous planning and coordination to ensure new systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure while minimizing disruptions to travelers. This video provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by engineers and commissioning agents working on active airport projects.