Major airport in the Pacific Northwest modernizes fire safety infrastructure to support future growth

The airport's fire alarm system relied on equipment that had become increasingly difficult to service. Replacement parts were no longer widely available, creating lengthy repair timelines and making routine maintenance more challenging.

When equipment issues occurred, the airport often had to rely on fire watch personnel to help maintain safety coverage until repairs could be completed. At the same time, airport leaders needed a solution that could accommodate terminal expansion without requiring a complete replacement of the existing fire protection infrastructure.

Johnson Controls worked closely with airport stakeholders to evaluate the existing system and develop a modernization plan. Regular project meetings helped ensure alignment throughout implementation.

The airport upgraded to the Simplex® 4100ES fire alarm platform and deployed the Simplex ES Network, providing a more flexible and scalable fire alarm infrastructure. Johnson Controls also installed emergency voice communication panels that integrate with the fire alarm network to support facility-wide notifications during emergency events.

By upgrading rather than replacing the entire system, the airport was able to modernize critical life safety capabilities while preserving compatible infrastructure already in place.

The upgraded system provides the airport with a more adaptable fire and life safety platform that can support future facility changes and technology upgrades.

Enhanced communication capabilities help facilities personnel manage emergency events more effectively, while improved system maintainability reduces dependence on temporary measures during repairs.

The modernization also gives airport leaders confidence that expansion projects and operational changes can be implemented while maintaining a safer environment for employees and travelers.

The airport benefits from long-term cost advantages because compatible devices and infrastructure can remain in service as future upgrades are implemented.