How ORAT helped AVL open the most significant construction project in the airport’s history
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has long been a gateway to the scenic beauty and vibrant culture of Western North Carolina. In 2025, that gateway took a historic leap forward with the opening of its newly expanded terminal, the centerpiece of the multi-phase AVL Forward program. This $400 million transformation represents the largest infrastructure investment in the airport’s history, more than doubling terminal space and modernizing facilities to meet the demands of explosive passenger growth.
Successfully bringing such an ambitious project online without halting daily operations required more than construction expertise; it demanded a comprehensive approach to operational readiness. That’s where Chrysalis Global’s aviation team stepped in, delivering Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) services that turned complexity into confidence at every step.
Phase One of the AVL Forward project, which opened in summer 2025, introduced travelers to a bright new ticket lobby, a state-of-the-art TSA security checkpoint, and a spacious North Concourse featuring seven new gates, expanded seating, enhanced concessions, and modern amenities. It also saw the addition of four new passenger boarding bridges at the airport.
To do this, the airport tore down a section of the airport to make way for Phase One of AVL Forward; the airport is currently working on the second phase of the project, building new sections of the airport.
More than aesthetics, the Phase One expansion strategically addresses years of unprecedented growth. AVL recorded over 2.2 million passengers in 2024 — its second straight year above the 2 million mark — and has nearly tripled its nonstop destinations over the past decade.
“When we’re working with clients, we’re constantly thinking about being operationally Ready for Day One and Day One Thousand,” said Andrew Young (Director of Aviation Services, Chrysalis Global). “Asheville’s new terminal is built to support the region’s future, and its operations need to match that.”
Opening such a transformative space in the midst of ongoing construction — with passengers and airline partners continuing day-to-day operations — requires far more than blueprints and scaffolding.
Chrysalis used its signature ORAT framework to coordinate the “human side” of the project: aligning airlines, TSA, FAA, ground handlers, tenant operations, fuelers, guest services, and airport leadership around a shared readiness strategy. Chrysalis developed customized communication and stakeholder engagement plans to ensure alignment on the project’s outcomes.
The Chrysalis ORAT approach included:
Chrysalis team members trained staff on critical systems, such as passenger boarding bridges and baggage handling systems, ensuring that the new facilities were not just built, but truly ready for live service.
“Construction is only part of the puzzle,” said David Bannasch-Ruzicka (Sr. Consultant, Chrysalis Global Aviation), who served as Chrysalis’s Sr. Consultant in charge of the AVL engagement. “Chrysalis’s approach thinks about how the facility will be used after construction to ensure operations are working efficiently and effectively.”
Complex projects always present late-stage challenges. The Chrysalis ORAT framework allows airports to respond with on-the-ground problem-solving, to help mitigate risks, protect target schedules, and maintain operational integrity throughout the transition.
What emerged from this framework were a series of lessons reinforced:
These insights at Asheville serve as roadmaps for airports looking to make complex change.
"Chrysalis was invaluable to the AVL team as we transitioned from our Legacy Terminal to the new Terminal and Concourse," said Lexie Farmer, Chief Operations Officer at AVL. "They ensured a systematic approach to communication, task assignment, training, and transition. They took the time to listen to the needs of the airport and ensured a seamless transition to a complex opening."
When the North Concourse and new security checkpoint opened in June 2025, Asheville Regional Airport was fully operational from Day One. Passengers moved through the ticket lobby into security and onto expanded boarding areas with intuitive wayfinding and contemporary amenities, all while construction continued on subsequent phases.
The activation allowed AVL to:
Asheville’s expanded terminal is a statement: regional airports can scale smarter, welcome travelers with joy, and navigate complexity without sacrificing service quality. With Chrysalis’ ORAT leadership, AVL didn’t just meet its opening date — it set a new standard for operational readiness in aviation.
Whether you’re opening a terminal, transitioning a complex system, or activating a new operational capability, the journey from complexity to confidence starts with readiness. Just remember: it starts long before the ribbon is cut.
Learn more about Chrysalis's work at Asheville here.
Chrysalis Global provides solutions across multiple industries, including aviation, sports/entertainment, technology/manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and nonprofit/government. Learn more here.
For more information about Chrysalis Global Aviation’s work, visit chrysalisglobal.com/aviation.
