Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)

In 2015, Chrysalis Global Aviation played a pivotal role in the successful opening of the new terminal at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). Initially, the Wichita Airport Authority believed they could manage the transition independently. However, after consulting with other airports that had undergone similar transitions—including Denver, Austin, Kalamazoo, Indianapolis, Sacramento, and San Jose—they recognized the need for specialized expertise and engaged Chrysalis to lead the operational readiness, activation, and transition (ORAT) process. Chrysalis served as the primary liaison between various stakeholders throughout the modernization effort. The team worked closely with the airport's internal team, airlines, TSA, and other ICT tenants to ensure seamless communication and coordination. This comprehensive stakeholder management approach was crucial to navigating the complexities of transitioning to the new terminal while maintaining ongoing operations. Leveraging extensive experience in operational planning, logistics management, change management, and facility activation, Chrysalis developed and implemented a robust transition strategy for ICT. The team conducted thorough operational readiness activities, including simulations and trials prior to opening, which helped identify and address potential issues before they could impact the airport's operations. The Director of the Wichita Airport Authority, Victor White, later acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Chrysalis, stating: "We were probably half-way through the construction period of about three years before I finally decided to pull the trigger of bringing Chrysalis in. I look back upon my hesitancy now and think: 'Wow, that was crazy!' We couldn't have pulled it off without them, and in so many different areas, too." The successful opening of the new terminal at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport stands as another example of Chrysalis's proven track record in delivering complex airport facility transitions. The project demonstrates the company's ability to adapt its ORAT methodology to meet the specific needs and culture of each airport while ensuring operational continuity throughout the transition process.