Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — Commissioning Plan

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) North Terminal represented one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects in the Gulf South, delivering a $1.3 billion, 972,000-square-foot terminal complex designed to transform the passenger experience and support the region’s growing demand for air travel. Opened in 2019, the facility consolidated operations into a modern, world-class terminal with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, expanded concessions, and a streamlined layout that improved efficiency and connectivity. A critical component of the terminal’s activation was the development of a comprehensive commissioning plan to ensure all building systems were fully operational on day one. The plan covered HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, electrical power distribution, communications, and life-safety systems, along with highly specialized airport systems such as baggage handling, building automation, and airfield lighting controls. This structured approach sequenced testing from factory acceptance and onsite verification to full integrated demonstrations, providing the airport with a clear framework to validate readiness across every critical system. Chrysalis led the development and execution of this commissioning plan, coordinating contractors, manufacturers, and airport staff to conduct rigorous pre-installation reviews, system start-ups, functional tests, and integrated trials. The process ensured that performance aligned with design intent while reducing operational risk during the transition. The commissioning program also embedded training and documentation requirements, providing maintenance staff with the knowledge, tools, and resources to take immediate ownership of the new facility. By implementing this disciplined commissioning process, Chrysalis helped deliver a seamless facility activation for the North Terminal. The effort went beyond equipment testing, establishing a structured, transparent, and risk-managed approach that safeguarded the passenger experience and instilled confidence among stakeholders. The commissioning plan ultimately played a central role in ensuring MSY’s North Terminal was fully prepared to welcome travelers from its first day of operation.