News & Insights
VIDEO: BNA: Resilience for Nashville International Airport
Why This Matters Now
Many airports are facing increased passenger volumes, aging infrastructure, and growing expectations for operational reliability. Expansion programs often require significant upgrades to terminals, concourses, and utility systems, but these improvements must be made without disrupting day-to-day airport operations.
At the same time, resiliency has become a top priority. Airports must be prepared to support continuous operations, accommodate future growth, and maintain critical services even as infrastructure evolves. As facilities become more complex, planning for long-term reliability is just as important as planning for immediate capacity needs.
What Leaders Are Weighing
How Salas O’Brien Is Helping Clients Respond
For more than 30 years, Salas O’Brien has partnered with Nashville International Airport to support its growth and modernization efforts. The team provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and telecommunications engineering services that help critical infrastructure keep pace with expanding facilities.
Whether upgrading central utility plants, supporting terminal and concourse expansions, or relocating essential systems as part of ongoing development, Salas O’Brien focuses on maintaining resiliency and operational reliability throughout the process.
By combining national aviation expertise with local knowledge, Salas O’Brien helps airport clients navigate complex expansion projects while developing future-ready infrastructure designed to support long-term operational success. The goal is not simply to deliver a project, but to serve as a trusted partner in building resilient airports that can continue growing for years to come.
Phillip Sutherland, PE
Phillip Sutherland brings a forward-looking perspective through his experience helping clients prepare for the next generation of infrastructure across the aviation, education, and commercial sectors. His work focuses on electrification, EV charging, power distribution, and resilient facility design, helping clients navigate emerging technologies and practical implementation challenges. Phillip serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Brooks Browning, PE
Brooks Browning, PE, is a mechanical engineer specializing in HVAC design. He has consulted on a variety of aviation projects, including airports, terminals, hangars, and other aviation facilities, providing design and construction administration services. His capabilities include airside and waterside mechanical systems, energy analysis, low and medium-pressure ductwork, piping design, construction administration, and acoustical coordination.
Jonathan Brown, PE
Jonathan Brown, PE, is experienced in the electrical design of healthcare, commercial, educational, and industrial facilities, including lighting, building electrical service, power distribution, smoke/fire alarm systems, and communications. Jon’s responsibilities include
overseeing and training staff, scheduling production, creating project-specific design documents, and overseeing overall office technical design standards and policies. Specific engineering tasks include electrical design related to power distribution systems, equipment power circuiting, lighting layout, and specification. Jon serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien.