Airports

Airports | CDM Smith

Where innovation meets aviation

Worker in a crane de-ices an airplane's tail at sunset.

Person in a safety vest uses surveying equipment on an airport tarmac near control tower and hangars.

Construction site with a large drainage pipe being installed in a trench. Workers in safety vests are present.

For 30+ years, we've helped airports tackle complex environmental, engineering and planning challenges with confidence. From major hubs to general aviation fields and former military bases, our expertise ensures your projects meet regulatory demands, enhance operations, and achieve long-term goals.

Air quality

Covering a wide range of air quality issues in the planning, design, and implementation phases of aviation projects.

Remediation

An integrated approach to remedial technologies—from investigation through design, construction, and operations and maintenance.

Planning

Assisting airport clients meet compliance requirements, achieve long term goals, and mitigate environmental liabilities.

Sustainability

Helping develop and implement sustainability initiatives and achieving sustainability goals by applying tailored solutions with analytics.

Trusted by airports, backed by results

30+

years providing services to airport facilities

125+

airport facilities worked at including ATL, DFW, DEN, LAX, and JFK

300+

PFAS projects completed

Featured airport projects

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View of airport construction area with fuel tanks in the foreground and terminal structures under development in the background.

Los Angeles, California

Environmental approvals for LAX improvements

LAWA pursued environmental approvals for LAX airfield, terminal, and roadway improvements to enhance airfield safety, improve passenger experience, and reduce congestion.

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Several airplanes parked at terminal buildings with wavy roofs at an airport.

Los Angeles, California

Quantifying carbon emissions for airport operations

For 5 years, we've helped Los Angeles World Airports advance sustainability by quantifying greenhouse gas emissions.

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Aerial view of an airfield with various parked aircraft on tarmac, surrounded by grassy areas and nearby roads.

Dover, DE

Turning PFAS data into decisions for the U.S. Air Force

For the U.S. Department of Defense, the need for PFAS fate and transport research and analysis is more urgent than ever.

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Related airport insights

A gloved hand places a vial in a laboratory sample tray with numbered slots.

Insight

PFAS fingerprinting and the case for source control

Source control and pretreatment are among the most cost-efficient ways to fight PFAS. Our researchers are finding new, more efficient ways to identify and trace PFAS fingerprints in the environment.

Industrial equipment and fire truck in open garage, hoses and containers visible, bright sunlight.

Insight

AFFF to F3 transition requires more than a rinse

The current ambiguity around effective removal of PFAS compounds from fire suppression systems necessitates an approach based on science.

Tractor spreading biosolids on a harvested field under a cloudy sky.

Insight

PFAS biosolids research fills critical data gaps

Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) have become fertile grounds for PFAS research, due to the important role they play in safeguarding surrounding waterways from contamination.

Man in a grey suit and orange tie standing in a modern hallway.

I find working with airport clients both exciting and challenging because of the unique environmental, engineering, regulatory and operational issues airports face.

David Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP

David manages large, multi-disciplinary programs in environmental planning, compliance, sustainability, design and construction.

Related practices

Architecture

Our architects and engineers deliver quality solutions that master function, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and aesthetics.

Program Management

CDM Smith’s program management team is bringing complexity under control by building strong, enduring relationships.

Climate Resilience

We can no longer rely on the past to prepare for the future. Our teams work across water, transportation, environment and infrastructure to implement right-size solutions backed by climate science.

Remediation

We restore environments and protect communities by delivering innovative, science-based solutions that reduce risk and lifecycle costs. Using advanced technologies and adaptive strategies, we help clients achieve resilient, long-term results.

Construction Management

CDM Smith provides full-service construction management solutions across the water, environmental, transportation, energy and facilities industries.

Transportation Design

Our experts are versed in various disciplines, including roadway and structure design, traffic and safety, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), public transit and climate resilient infrastructure.

Emerging Contaminants

Our engineers and scientists are working tirelessly to solve the world’s most complex contamination challenges. Together, we’ll find solutions to the latest threats to public health.

Transportation Planning

Our global transportation planning practice is founded on balanced, integrated and forward-thinking mobility solutions. Leading with a data-driven approach, we deliver hundreds of plans to private and public clients.

Ready to take the next steps?

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.

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