Kansas City International Airport unviels high-tech terminal with Nanolumens displays
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City International Airport in Missouri has completed a $1.5 billion renovation, replacing its original three-terminal layout with a single modern facility. The new terminal, featuring 39 gates, is designed to accommodate a range of airlines while streamlining the travel process for millions of passengers annually. The Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) prioritized a simplified, technology-driven environment, including an intuitive wayfinding system.
A notable element of the terminal’s redesign involved collaboration between NanoLumens, an LED display technology firm in Norcross, Ga., and Dimensional Innovations (DI), a local design and fabrication company. Together, they developed a visual display system for the ticketing counters, working closely with Henderson Engineering and the architecture firm SOM.
One challenge addressed in the project was incorporating displays around the terminal’s structural columns. Nanolumens used its Nixel Series to create six screens, ranging from 16 to 6 feet wide, and standing 4 feet high. These “Digital Drywall” displays fit around the columns to meet design specifications and maintain a sleek look.
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The display system allows airlines to feature high-resolution visuals, showcasing branding and providing flight information to passengers. DI developed a real-time content management system, powered by Green Hippo and tvONE, allowing both the airport and individual airlines to quickly update content such as flight details and queuing information.
Beyond the ticketing area, the terminal houses 15 video walls composed of Nanolumens' 2.5mm Pixel Pitch dvLED displays, with over 18 million pixels. These walls prominently display airline logos and other essential updates.
In the Arrivals area, a smaller Nanolumens Nixel Series display, measuring 15 by 6 feet, is mounted behind the information desk to assist incoming passengers. Ten double-sided screens have also been installed at the curbside check-in area, providing additional information.