San Diego International Airport (SAN) — New Terminal 1 (Phase 1A)

Chrysalis Global Aviation supported San Diego International Airport in preparing its New Terminal 1 for opening day by leading an extensive program of trials and full-scale passenger simulations. From curb to gate, every critical operation was validated under live-like conditions to ensure the new facility would function seamlessly from the very first flight. These exercises brought together airport staff, airlines, TSA, and technology providers to stress-test systems, processes, and passenger flows. To safeguard baggage operations, Chrysalis orchestrated integrated baggage handling system and tug trials. These exercises resolved flow constraints, refined make-up unit assignments, and aligned airlines and ground handlers on real-world procedures. At the same time, the team partnered closely with TSA to strengthen checkpoint readiness. Through targeted alarm-handling scenarios and iterative remediation plans, TSA officers gained confidence and consistency in operating within the new environment. Technology activation was another critical focus. Chrysalis coordinated SITA support to simulate real-time conditions for flight information displays, common-use passenger systems, and mock flight activity. By running systems as passengers would encounter them, the airport could validate wayfinding, queueing, and check-in processes well ahead of opening day. These efforts were reinforced by a “playbook-first” approach, providing stakeholders with detailed runbooks, training aids, and day-of appendices to keep every participant aligned. Volunteer and subject-matter expert scenarios played a major role in testing the new terminal at scale. Thousands of simulated passenger journeys were staged to expose stress points in wayfinding, handoffs, and queue management. Every trial was followed by structured observations and debriefs, producing rapid feedback loops that translated into on-the-spot operational fixes. Cross-agency exercises with airport operations, airlines, ground handlers, Siemens, and security teams ensured readiness across all stakeholder groups. Throughout the program, Chrysalis managed not only the technical and operational dimensions but also the participant experience. Materials, branding, and communications were tailored to San Diego’s new identity, and resources were reallocated strategically to preserve simulation quality within budget. By applying Chrysalis’ proven ORAT methodology, the project surfaced hidden risks and resolved them before passengers arrived—delivering a terminal that opened safe, secure, and fully prepared to serve the traveling public.