St. Louis Lambert International Airport
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is Missouri’s largest airport, serving as a vital gateway for over 15 million passengers annually. Lambert was the nation’s first municipal airport and has played a pivotal role in U.S. aviation and modern aerospace innovation. Given its size, legacy, and role as the region’s primary airport, Lambert requires advanced technology to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and emergency preparedness.
In early 2024, Lambert recognized the need to construct a permanent Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and to relocate several 24/7 dispatch departments into a consolidated Airport Operations Center (AOC). The objectives of this project included streamlining communication and decision-making across teams, enhancing operational efficiency, improving response times, and supporting a more integrated approach to airport management. Lambert chose Tech Electronics to design, implement, and deliver integrated control room solutions for this project.
Challenge
Given the size and impact of this project, evaluating the challenges proved to be crucial. The designated location for the new EOC and AOC had an unusual footprint, making a traditional command and control center layout difficult to accomplish. In addition, relocating the AOC meant losing direct line of sight to the airfield, raising concerns from operators and heightening the need for high-performing situational awareness technology. Given these challenges, the cultural impact was top of mind for David Kulinsky, Airport Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance at Lambert.
“Perhaps the most significant concern has been the cultural shift involved in bringing together multiple departments under one roof. Each department had its own practices and level of independence.” - Dave Kulinsky
Solution
In close collaboration with RJP Electric, Ben Hur Construction Co., and the Lambert Airport team, Tech Electronics designed a fully integrated AOC and EOC with control room solutions that addressed each objective outlined in the planning phase.
"Working with the Tech Electronics team to explore innovative ideas and creative solutions made this project both exciting and personally rewarding. Their flexibility in adapting to evolving needs and offering new approaches to challenges helped us push the boundaries of what we initially envisioned. It wasn't just about solving problems—it was about reimagining what was possible, and that made a lasting impression." – Dave Kulinsky
After thorough consideration, the Tech Electronics’ team, including System Designers, Engineers, Embedded Technicians, and Account Managers chose the following solutions to enable optimal performance, communication, and security— all combined to create a new state-of-the-art facility:
- Haivision Command 360 video wall management
- Genetec video management
- Dallmeier panomeric ramp camera system
- Lenel access control
- Mitel phone systems
- Zoom conferencing
- Revolution crash boxes
- Notifier OnyxWorks fire and life-safety control system
- Clean Agent fire protection.
Results & Feedback
With construction complete and systems fully integrated, the new AOC and EOC stand ready to redefine how Lambert International Airport manages day-to-day operations and emergency response. While the facilities will officially go live at the end of September 2025, the project has already achieved its core objectives of centralizing operations, enhancing resiliency, and streamlining organizational silos.
"The Tech team played a vital role in bridging communication across departments, vendors, and stakeholders. Their strong background in IT, electrical systems, and mechanical infrastructure allowed them to effectively engage with a wide range of teams. They were able to understand the unique needs of each group and translate those requirements into practical, integrated solutions for the new space. Their ability to speak the technical language of various disciplines helped ensure alignment, minimize misunderstandings, and keep the project moving forward smoothly."- Dave Kulinsky
The success of the new AOC and EOC wasn’t just about technology. Collaboration proved to be a driving force that turned a complex vision into a finished reality.
"The collaboration with the Tech Electronics team was absolutely crucial to the success of this project. From the very beginning, they were by my side—supporting the design process, helping select the right technology, and ensuring a smooth implementation. Their expertise and commitment made a significant difference at every stage. Frankly, without Tech Electronics' partnership and guidance, I don't believe this project would have ever gotten off the ground. They were not just a vendor—they were an integral part of the team."- Dave Kulinsky
As Lambert prepares to bring its new AOC and EOC fully online, Tech Electronics’ role doesn’t end with construction. With embedded technicians on-site and a dedicated project foreman overseeing day-to-day technology needs, Tech remains a trusted partner in keeping the airports’ critical operations running smoothly. This continued collaboration ensures the systems put in place today will evolve with the airport’s needs well into the future.
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