Flight Paths and Foundations: Building the Future of Aviation

From major hubs to regional terminals, every airport begins with a bold vision. We bring that vision to life through smart design, advanced technology, and precise execution.

Every airport tells a story. Some are filled with the excitement of first flights and long-awaited reunions, while others speak to innovation, resilience, and the quiet coordination that keeps the world in motion. These stories unfold in spaces that are far more than points of departure and arrival, serving as gateways to connection, opportunity, and possibility.

We have been part of these stories for more than 30 years, shaping environments that bring people together, support communities, and reflect the evolving nature of travel. From Canada’s busiest international hubs to its most remote regional terminals, EllisDon has delivered projects that go beyond physical infrastructure.

Sustainability and Innovation

At EllisDon, environmental stewardship is at the forefront of every project, acting as a guiding principle embedded in every decision, from design through to delivery. 

Our aviation journey began in 1989 with Calgary International Airport and has since evolved into a long-term partnership defined by innovation. The International Facilities Project exemplifies that commitment:

• 600+ geothermal wells and 2.1 million sq. ft. of in-floor radiant heating provide energy-efficient climate control.
• A rainwater capture system saves over 10 million litres annually, reducing dependence on municipal water.
• North America’s first eco-friendly baggage-handling system helped Calgary become Canada’s first LEED-certified airport.

Across Canada, we continue to combine form and function through sustainable design.

At Edmonton International Airport, the Combined Office and Control Tower blends bold architecture with environmental performance – featuring zinc cladding that reflects prairie landscapes while maximizing energy efficiency.

As an iconic sculpture on the prairie landscape, this project leaves a lasting impression of Edmonton’s identity for all travelers who pass through.

In Charlottetown, our work is preparing the airport for the future through electric ground service infrastructure and rooftop solar panels that lower long-term energy and operational demands.

Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of every aviation project. 

Airports are complex, living ecosystems – operating 24/7, under strict security, and with no room for error. Success depends on collaboration, precision, and high-performing solutions.

EllisDon embraces this challenge with innovation and expertise. Our teams use smart tools like Fieldwire to keep projects aligned and on track, while proprietary formwork systems, digital modeling, and full-scale mock-ups enhance safety, improve efficiency, and identify issues early.Across the country, we work closely with Transport Canada, CBSA, U.S. CBP, and partners like NORR, Stantec, and WSP to integrate new systems while ensuring seamless design and engineering.

Our ongoing relationships with airport authorities across Canada have delivered everything from terminal expansions to energy optimization programs. Today, we’re continuing that legacy through projects like the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport expansion, where we’re enhancing passenger flow, modernizing systems, and advancing environmental goals.

Looking Forward

As global travel enters a new era shaped by environmental priorities, digital transformation, and a growing desire for more meaningful experiences, EllisDon continues to lead with purpose. Our approach is grounded in foresight and adaptability, ensuring that the spaces we create today are ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. We believe the best journeys begin with a strong foundation, and we are proud to be building it; one project, one partnership, and one story at a time.