Dallas-based STV has been selected as program manager/construction manager and Fort Worth, Texas-based Paslay Group has been chosen as executive program manager to together oversee a $575-million terminal modernization program at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport in Erlanger, Ky.

The program is being delivered by multiple design-build contracts, the two largest being the baggage handling system, being delivered by Beumer Group, and a terminal modernization led by the design-build team of Hunt/Skanska and HOK.

The project, dubbed Elevate CVG, is intended to meet passenger demand and expedite passenger processing at the airport. The multi-year project will replace the existing baggage handling system with an individual carrier system, expand the terminal ticketing area and security checkpoint and renovate the transportation tunnel for travelers, concourses A and B, public restrooms and elevators/escalators. 

The initial scope of the program through the first quarter of 2026 is estimated to be $220 million. The balance of the total program cost, including the design-builder’s guaranteed maximum price, is anticipated to be presented in early 2026, Elevate CVG said in a news release. 

STV’s role in managing the program includes design, scheduling, financial controls, contracts management, inspection services, project controls, operational readiness as well as coordinating move-in and closeout activities. 

Completion is expected in 2029 at the airport that provides nonstop service to 55 destinations from 14 airlines. It also is the seventh busiest cargo airport in North America, home to two global air hubs: Amazon Air’s Hub and DHL Express’ Global Superhub for the Americas. 

CVG had 8.7 million travelers in 2023, representing a 15% increase over 2022.

“As part of the Elevate CVG program,” Jerry Sheets, senior vice president and group business leader-Aviation for  AECOM Hunt, said in a news release that it will take “a phased approach that minimizes the impact on travelers.” 

Mindy Kershner, director of communications for the airport, say demolition of the baggage handling system has already begun. Incorporating the new system will be one of the largest challenges of the modernization project, she and STV agree.

“One of the most complex aspects of the project is phasing the installation of an entirely new baggage handling system while maintaining full operations of the existing system,” STV said in an email, noting that the team will coordinate closely with airport stakeholders to integrate advanced sorting technology while not disrupting passengers.

STV, which has done airport projects at LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, among others, announced this month that it has launched a nationwide aviation practice to meet increased passenger demand and address aging facilities. 

The company said in a news release that the aviation practice “will better support airport owners, operators, developers and airlines and the more than $151-billion of capital investments needed to improve airports and other aviation hubs throughout the United States.” 

The company’s national aviation practice will include planning, design, engineering and program and construction management (PM/CM) services, while also advising clients on other services, such as digital, electrification, mobility technologies, resilience and sustainable design. 

The company notes that the aviation practice will be geared to meet increasing airport traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects passenger traffic to increase to 158% of 2019-levels by 2040. Cargo traffic is expected to increase 167% during the same time span.