Delivering Scalable IT Solutions for Mission-Critical Aviation Environments

BlackHawk Data has played a pivotal role in modernizing and maintaining the IT infrastructure behind some of the busiest and most complex transportation hubs in the country—including LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, Newark Liberty (EWR), Teterboro, Stewart, and Atlantic City airports. With a focus on high availability, security, and operational continuity, our team has delivered full-spectrum services across infrastructure design, network deployment, managed services, and multi-phase redevelopment efforts. Our long-term support and technical leadership continue to drive efficiency, safety, and passenger satisfaction across these critical aviation environments.

Reliable IT for the Most Demanding Aviation Environments

The aviation sector demands absolute reliability. Every system—air traffic control, baggage handling, gate communications, ticketing, passenger Wi-Fi, security checkpoints, and even parking revenue control—relies on a highly secure, constantly available IT infrastructure.

At BlackHawk Data, we’ve become the trusted partner behind the digital operations of some of the busiest and most security-sensitive airports in the U.S., including Newark Liberty (EWR), JFK, and LaGuardia (LGA). Our team has played a vital role in large-scale airport redevelopment efforts, terminal expansions, and mission-critical upgrades.

From greenfield builds to network overhauls, we’ve helped these transportation hubs stay online, agile, and secure—with a strong emphasis on best practices, high availability, and around-the-clock support.

The Main Challenges of Aviation IT Infrastructure

Airports are among the most complex IT environments in any industry. The challenges vary by project, but often include:

• Supporting 24×7 mission-critical operations with zero margin for error

• Deploying network infrastructure across massive, active construction zones

• Managing and securing networks with dozens of external vendor systems (airlines, baggage, concessions, TSA, etc.)

• Implementing multi-phase upgrades while ensuring zero disruption to passenger flow or operations

• Addressing physical and cybersecurity for airfield perimeters and OT (operational technology) devices

• Meeting aggressive timelines under high-pressure, high-profile conditions (public-private partnerships, tight funding windows, and union coordination)

BlackHawk Data was tasked with not only designing and deploying infrastructure, but also ensuring ongoing performance, scalability, and security across every environment we touched.

Our Approach to Keeping Airports Running

Across all engagements, we approached each airport project with a combination of rigorous planning, best-in-class tools, and a flexible team of certified engineers capable of deploying at a moment’s notice.

Our aviation service offering included:

Network Design & Planning
• Conducted site-wide network assessments
• Designed scalable, secure network topologies
• Provided design reviews and engineering recommendations aligned to airport standards

Staging & QA
• Pre-staged, configured, and tested all networking gear before deployment
• Conducted firmware updates, code upgrades, and baseline configurations
• Built standardized deployment kits to streamline on-site delivery

Deployment & Integration
• Onsite deployment of switches, wireless APs, VOIP systems, firewalls, and more
• Installed both core and access layer devices, including Fortinet infrastructure
• Delivered integration services for third-party OT and vendor systems

Managed Services & MACD
• Provided 24×7 emergency response and onsite troubleshooting
• Executed ongoing MACD (Moves, Adds, Changes, and Deletes) across all layers
• Delivered Day 2 Support to ensure continuous uptime

Security & Segmentation
• Implemented firewalls and security policies across perimeter and internal zones
• Completed network segmentation for vendors like baggage handling and parking control
• Conducted vulnerability patching and site-wide security code upgrades

Wireless & OT Support
• Executed wireless surveys (predictive, AP-on-a-stick, and corrective)
• Ensured OT devices (gates, kiosks, security equipment) had clean, reliable network connectivity
• Troubleshot connectivity and performance issues in real time

Delivering Complex Infrastructure at Scale

Newark Liberty International Airport – Terminal One

A true greenfield deployment. We were integral to designing and building the network infrastructure from the ground up for this all-new terminal.

Our services spanned:
• Core networking
• VOIP, wireless, and firewall deployment
• Remote and onsite support
• MACD and Day 2 managed services
• Product fulfillment and staging

LaGuardia Airport Redevelopment – Skanska Partnership

As a subcontractor to Skanska, we provided end-to-end infrastructure support for the massive redevelopment of LGA.

This included:
• Network buildout across terminal spaces, parking lots, and support areas
• Full stack deployments: wireless, security, voice/data cabling
• Staging, QA, remote MACD, and live support

JFK Terminal Redevelopments – Terminals 1 and 6

We supplied dedicated onsite technical staffing and oversaw full Fortinet deployments, providing:

• Design consultation and implementation
• Data/voice cabling
• Wireless and firewall deployment
• Connectivity support for AirTrain and physical airfield perimeter systems

Atlantic City Airport

Beyond ongoing managed services, we oversaw the complete decommissioning and removal of the network infrastructure once the airport was sold—ensuring a clean, compliant shutdown.

Keeping Flights On Time, Systems Online, and Passengers Connected

The outcomes of our work across these major airports speak for themselves:

• 99.99% uptime across all managed services and infrastructure

• Faster deployment cycles due to comprehensive offsite staging and configuration

• Increased security posture via segmentation, code upgrades, and firewall enhancements

• Improved vendor management with clearly defined network zones for third-party systems

• Seamless passenger experience through reliable wireless, gate, and ticketing connectivity

True Expertise On Your Side

When failure isn’t an option, you need more than a vendor—you need a partner who understands the mission-critical nature of airport operations. At BlackHawk Data, we bring deep aviation IT expertise, a responsive team of certified engineers, and a commitment to zero vendor lock-in. Our solutions are fully customized, our documentation is transparent, and our track record speaks for itself—with successful deployments at some of the busiest and most security-sensitive airports in the country. From 24/7 support to future-proof network design, we don’t just keep airports running—we help them evolve.

Let’s talk about how we can help find the right-fit solution for your organization, schedule a time to chat with one of our experts.