“I am a boomerang.
I worked at Hanson for 10 years, left and then returned. I came back because of Hanson’s commitment to excellence, not only in serving clients, but in supporting employees.”
Todd Merrihew
Airport engineering services
Staying ahead of the dramatic changes shaping the aviation industry requires innovative planning. We see your needs, and with our extensive history of advancing planning and development initiatives for airports and private developers large and small, we work with you to meet them. Through a comprehensive array of planning, engineering, construction support and consulting services including our smart airport technologies (SMART) initiative, our team will help you achieve your goals.
We advocate for you
You need a proactive partner who will bring you project and development ideas, innovations, best practices and lessons learned. Whether we’re offering creative solutions to your land development planning and lease management obstacles; getting our hands dirty for a geotechnical challenge; tackling a drainage issue; rehabilitating runways, taxiways, aprons and roadways for more efficient use; or providing alternative project delivery solutions, such as design-build as a registered general contractor — you can trust our skilled engineers and planners as your advisers.
With the increased opportunity for additional federal and state funds available to aviation clients, the Hanson team has been at the forefront of advocating for you. Our aviation grant writing group taps traditional grant programs and identifies alternative revenue solutions and potential innovative sources of revenue.
HIGHLY RESPECTED BY THE FAA AND IDOT“Everyone on the Hanson team communicates very well. They are quick to bring up potential issues so everyone can get in front of them with the least impact to the project. Your team seems to be highly respected by everyone at the FAA and IDOT, which we have seen first-hand in many meetings. This makes complex projects flow smoothly even when there are problems.” – Dave Shaw, chairman, Crawford County Airport Authority
At the forefront of aviation technology and trends
Through our SMART airport services, we’re preparing airports to benefit from emerging technologies and new funding opportunities in airport energy, sustainability and resiliency. Whether it involves vertiport planning, digital towers, energy audits and roadmaps for transitioning to airport electrification and energy independence, commissioning or retro-commissioning efforts to optimize building system efficiencies or developing a proactive software with built-in smart and intuitive tools for mixed asset management, we are ready to help you navigate the key initiatives facing the aviation industry.
Watch your development take off
We understand that you need pragmatic and implementable solutions. Airport operators and aviation clients trust our team to solve their operational challenges and bridge the gaps between planning and successful delivery.
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- SMART airports
A successful airport embraces the future of aviation while maintaining high-quality services to its customers. Hanson’s aviation team can help you equip your airport for evolving technologies while providing high-quality airport planning, design and construction services for your overall needs. Our smart airport technologies (SMART) airport service pillars encompass the emerging technologies you need as you prepare for the changes that are already taking place in the airport environment. Find out more.
- Airport facilities
Your airport’s needs are constantly evolving based on emerging trends and technologies, so you need a consultant whose approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the demanding airport environment. We provide facility designs that are functional and designed for the future. From T-hangar designs to new terminals, we look to bring cost-effective, cutting-edge innovations to each of your projects. Find out more.
- Airport planning
Before you can build it, you need to plan it. Hanson’s comprehensive aviation planning team helps you envision your future, developing implementable plans and putting them into action. From traditional aviation use to cutting-edge technology, our staff leads you in creating a plan to meet future needs and gain Federal Aviation Administration approvals. We don’t stop there, though — our support goes beyond these approvals to identifying potential funding sources and applying for funding. Find out more.
- Airport management and administration
Managing your airport from day to day is a complex task, with numerous facets to consider in addition to your standard operations. Our former airport managers understand the issues you face and can help you develop a business plan, including coordinating stakeholder outreach and facility assessments; identifying strategic initiatives and alternatives to meet them; developing a framework for a rebranding and marketing plan; and conducting aviation and nonaviation airport property and operational and feasibility assessments, including strategies for improving your airport’s bottom line. Find out more.
- Civil airside and landside
To function at a high level, your airport needs a seamless integration of its airside and landside infrastructure to enhance operational capacity and passenger experience. Our aviation team’s comprehensive knowledge of runways, taxiways and aprons, along with terminals, parking and roadways, allows us to provide civil design services tailored to your goals. Find out more.
- Airfield electrical and navigational aids
The safety and reliability of your airport’s electrical systems are paramount. Our airfield electrical specialists are invested in bringing a high quality of service to your projects, along with a wealth of experience and knowledge of products, standards and installation practices. We provide contemporary, cost-conscious and schedule-sensitive design solutions for small to large airport operations, including civilian and military airfield systems. Find out more.
- FAQs
How can airport engineering projects maintain compliance with FAA requirements while meeting local needs?
Successful airport projects balance FAA requirements with the operational goals of the airport and its stakeholders. Hanson helps airport owners navigate regulatory requirements, funding expectations and local priorities to deliver practical solutions that support long-term growth.
What airport engineering and planning services does Hanson provide?
Airport projects often require coordinated planning, engineering, funding support and construction expertise from a single team. Hanson provides airport planning, airside and landside engineering, facility design, grant assistance, construction support and SMART airport technology services to help clients move projects forward efficiently.
How can airports secure funding for infrastructure improvements?
Many airport improvement projects can qualify for federal, state or alternative funding sources when they are properly planned and documented. Hanson helps clients identify funding opportunities, prepare grant applications and develop strategies that maximize available resources for critical capital improvements.
How does Hanson help airports prepare for new aviation technologies?
Airports must evaluate emerging technologies carefully so investments will support future operations and funding opportunities. Hanson helps airports plan for initiatives such as airport electrification, sustainability programs, energy resilience, vertiports and digital towers through its SMART airport services.
How does Hanson help airport operators improve day-to-day performance?
Airport operations require effective planning, financial management and asset stewardship to remain successful over time. Hanson helps airport operators evaluate facilities, improve business practices, identify funding opportunities and implement strategies that strengthen operational and financial performance.
“Trust and integrity are the cornerstone of what we do at Hanson. Seeing how they transcend from top to bottom every day throughout our organization is something that has stayed with me during my time here. Whether with colleagues or clients, achieving success through a relationship built on trust and integrity gives me great pleasure and satisfaction.”
Kevin Fuhr
Vice president and aviation business development director
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SMART airports
Learn how we can help you position your airport to accommodate future technology and thrive for the long term.
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Elevate your navigation
We have numerous ways of helping you keep your airport a place where pilots and travelers alike can confidently and comfortably navigate.
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Eyes on the horizon
Planning is critical to the future of your airport. Our specialists can help you formulate a long-term plan for your airport that balances future innovations with your facility’s specific needs.
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Make an impact. Leave a legacy. Own your future.
Hanson’s commitment to our clients reflects our allegiance to our most valued asset — our employee-owners. We invest in you. Find out how you can forge your path with us.
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Success starts with solid relationships
Come see us at a trade show or career fair near you! Whether you’re a potential client, teaming partner or interested in joining our team, our leaders and subject-matter experts are eager to share their varied backgrounds and knowledge to help you reach your goals.