Terminal Modernization Project

Salas O’Brien is providing comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design engineering services to Asheville Regional Airport to support its major terminal modernization and expansion. The project will transform the airport from a 115,000 square feet, seven-gate facility into a nearly 275,000 square feet, twelve-gate terminal, featuring expanded concessions, ticketing, and security screening.

Delivered through a carefully phased strategy, the work includes a new lighting vault, a centralized power and energy plant, temporary gate installations, demolition of existing concourses, and construction of new north and south concourses. The phased approach enables sequential delivery of new concourses and terminal spaces while maintaining safe passenger flow and uninterrupted airport operations.

Supporting this expansion is a new 4,000-amp electrical service, three 2MW diesel generators with paralleling switchgear, and a central energy plant with 1,000 tons of cooling capacity. Additional upgrades encompass water-cooled chillers, condensing boilers, new fire alarm systems, and renewable energy integration. Our collaborative approach will enhance the airport’s efficiency, reliability, and readiness for future growth.