O’Hare 21 – Global Terminal IT System Integration

Level-1 is shaping the IT backbone of O’Hare’s Global Terminal with integrated telecom, cabling, and smart systems for future-ready aviation.

The City of Chicago’s $8.5 billion O’Hare 21 initiative represents the largest terminal expansion in O’Hare International Airport’s history and the most transformative airport redevelopment in the United States in over a generation. Designed to better connect travelers and Chicago to the world, this decade-long program will expand the airport’s terminal square footage by more than 60%, increase gate capacity by 25%, and introduce a unified, modern passenger experience built for 21st-century aviation. 

At the heart of the plan is the new O’Hare Global Terminal, a 2.2 million square foot replacement for Terminal 2 that will serve as an architectural and infrastructural gateway to the city. Designed by the Studio ORD Joint Venture led by Studio Gang Architects and including Solomon Cordwell Buenz, Corgan, STL Architects, and Milhouse Engineering the terminal will house international and domestic flights under one roof. Its flowing, light-filled design is meant to honor Chicago’s identity while showcasing its culture and diversity to the millions of travelers who pass through its halls each year. 

As the future communications systems integrator and IT infrastructure consultant for the O’Hare Global Terminal, Level-1 Global Solutions is proud to be collaborating with Studio ORD to shape the digital and operational backbone of one of the most ambitious aviation projects in the country. Our team consulted on cutting-edge telecommunications, structured cabling, network architecture, and smart building infrastructure, laying the groundwork for seamless airport operations, secure communications, and enhanced passenger services. 

Our Scope Includes 

• Strategic coordination with Studio ORD for digital infrastructure planning, system interoperability, and long-term IT sustainability 
• Phased implementation of structured cabling, telecommunications, and network systems aligned with airport-wide modernization goals 
• Integration of communications systems supporting airline operations, wayfinding, public safety, and passenger services 
• Technology solutions designed to scale with increasing passenger volume and future airport growth 
• Cybersecurity-ready infrastructure engineered to support airside and landside coordination, terminal control systems, and real-time data visibility 
• Collaboration with the City of Chicago and project stakeholders to support mentor-protégé partnerships and M/WBE participation goals 

By delivering systems designed to meet the demands of tomorrow’s air travel, we are helping to ensure that O’Hare remains a global leader in connectivity, resilience, and innovation.