Jacobs named ENR's No. 1 airport design firm for second consecutive year
For the second consecutive year, Jacobs has been recognized by Engineering News-Record (ENR) as the No. 1 design firm in the Airports category, underscoring the company's leadership on complex airport infrastructure programs worldwide. This recognition reflects the scale and breadth of Jacobs’ airport design portfolio, which supports clients from strategy, airport planning and preconstruction through delivery, operational readiness and project closeout, as well as working with operators to maintain safe and efficient airport operations throughout construction.
Airports around the world continue to navigate significant periods of change. Rising passenger demand, aging infrastructure, climate pressures and rapidly evolving technology are reshaping how airports are planned, built and operated.
Beyond major capital programs, airport owners and operators increasingly need organizations that can bring together strategic advisory, planning, engineering, digital innovation, sustainability and operational readiness to improve performance throughout the life of an airport. This integrated approach is evident across Jacobs' aviation portfolio.
Delivering transformation at scale
As airports modernize and expand, delivering major capital programs while maintaining operations has become increasingly complex. Jacobs works with clients to increase capacity and improve passenger experience, building resilience through integrated planning, engineering and delivery services.
Recent examples include Cleveland Hopkins International Airport's $1.6 billion CLEvolution modernization program, Hollywood Burbank Airport’s Replacement Passenger Terminal and London Gatwick Airport's capital investment program.
These projects demonstrate how Jacobs supports airport owners to transform aging infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity.
Supporting performance across the airport lifecycle
Airport performance depends on more than terminals and vertical infrastructure. Airfields, runways, taxiways and operational systems play a critical role in maintaining safety, efficiency and reliability.
Recent work includes major airfield investments at Denver International Airport and the modernization of the automated aerotrain system at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Malaysia. As project management consultant for the aerotrain replacement program, Jacobs supported planning, design, testing and commissioning of the airport's new driverless people mover system, improving passenger connectivity and operational reliability in addition to the overall airport experience.
In India, Jacobs is supporting Noida International Airport as it prepares for future demand, integrating sustainability with planning and delivery from the earliest stages of development.
Globally, our work combines near-term operational improvements with the resilience and capacity needed to support airports over the long term.
Advancing airport sustainability and digital innovation
Airports are increasingly leveraging sustainable practices and digital technologies to improve performance, reduce emissions and support long-term growth. Jacobs is supporting clients to integrate these capabilities from planning through operations.
In the United Kingdom, Jacobs is applying digital insight to Heathrow Airport's decarbonization program. Heathrow's Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) tool enables stakeholders to evaluate carbon reduction initiatives and prioritize investments based on emissions and cost impacts, providing greater confidence in long-term investment decisions.
Similarly, at King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jacobs is working with the client to shape the future of operations through planning, runway design, sustainability integration and digital systems while defining a roadmap for smart operations, passenger experience, digital twin integration and cybersecurity. By bringing these capabilities together through a single integrated approach, we’re laying the foundation for a smarter, more connected and operationally efficient airport.
Through integration of sustainability, digital innovation and operational insight, we’re supporting airport owners to build more resilient and future-ready aviation infrastructure.
Preparing airports for operational success from day one
Successful airport programs do not end when construction is complete. New facilities, systems and infrastructure must be ready to perform from the first day of operations.
Through its Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition practice, Jacobs enables airports to align people, processes, systems and stakeholders to support a seamless transition from delivery to live operations.
Recent activations at Pittsburgh International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) demonstrate Jacobs’ ability to manage complex operational transitions while minimizing disruption and preparing staff, systems and facilities for day-one success. complex operational transitions while minimizing disruption and preparing staff, systems and facilities for day-one success.
Together, these projects demonstrate why Jacobs continues to be recognized as a global aviation leader.
