Close Overlay
Kansas City International Airport Terminal
Welcoming the world to Kansas City through an
inclusive and forward-thinking passenger experience
The brand-new terminal at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is taking the air travel experience in the heartland to new heights. DI was honored to be a part of the dedicated crew* who helped bring KCI’s vision of a seamless and unique passenger experience to life through comprehensive signage and wayfinding, interactive technology, artistic experience design and more – all with a strong touch of local history, flavor, retail and culture.
Time to Check In
The Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) wanted to adopt a tech-forward, visually cohesive branding, messaging, and wayfinding approach for all operating airlines inside the check-in and ticketing concourse. With customization and flexibility in mind, DI created an over 300-foot-long NanoLumens display that allows airlines to individually showcase their brand and share timely information for departing passengers.
DI worked directly with the airlines to determine a unique look and feel for each brand display while ensuring the striking LED wall remained visually consistent and easy to read. Using an integrated content management system (CMS), airlines can independently control signage and messaging as needed with oversight from the KCAD.
It was essential the screens maintained quick and seamless adjustability, as several non-signatory airlines rotate in and out of contracts inside the single terminal. When a new airline contract begins, the KCAD can update the digital displays without adjusting physical signage.
The Kansas City Air Travel Experience
Air travel can be unsettling for travelers of all ages and abilities, especially for people who experience flight-related anxiety. In an effort to educate, ease and familiarize uncertain passengers, DI and DI Build created the Kansas City Air Travel Experience.
The lifelike, tech-heavy simulation aims to help ease the fears of first-time or anxious fliers, as well as children and those with special needs – including sensory issues, autism spectrum disorders, auditory and visual disabilities, and more. Housed in a decommissioned Airbus A321 fuselage, the simulation represents a true-to-life flying experience from check-in to touchdown – all without leaving the ground.
After going through KCI security, the journey begins with an actual check-in kiosk, where participants enter their confirmation number, check bags, and print their custom boarding pass. Once the kiosk light switches from red to green, practicing passengers can make their way down the imitation jet bridge and into the air travel experience. Passengers can then practice locating their seats, stowing carry-ons, and buckling their seatbelts as a virtual flight attendant guides them through the experience. Creating the flight attendant demonstration was a multi-phased approach where our team generated the script, hired actors and developed the looping video content.
The 15-minute simulation replicates every stage of flight: boarding, safety demonstration, taxi, takeoff, cruising, landing and deboarding. Video displays are mounted outside the cabin windows, offering a real-time, 360º view of KCI from the ground, then from above comes “takeoff.” For an authentic and animated visual, our team leveraged a game development engine to create and animate the simulated environment. Ambient audio rumbles throughout the experience to replicate the roaring sounds of the engines, wing mechanics, tire screeching, pilot voiceovers and more.
Top-Tier Coverage
The Kansas City Air Travel Experience was featured in Fast Co. and Condé Nast Traveler
317 feet
Length of NanoLumens display
Rooted in History, Culture and Innovation
Located inside the heart of the new terminal, the Kansas City International Airport Historical Aviation Exhibit honors and celebrates the rich past of KCI and the people who inhabited the 11,000 acres on which it stands. The interactive and educational display includes over 400 images, along with various videos, graphics and captivating first-hand stories – all researched, curated and shared by a diverse team of local partners. Digital touchscreens house extensive historical content visitors can explore at their own pace.
To ensure the exhibit was historically accurate, comprehensive, and fully DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity) compliant, DI worked closely alongside representatives from the Architectural and Historical Research LLC, the Kansas City Museum, Dr. Gene T. Chavez, Life360, the Watkins Foundation, the Kansas City Indian Center, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, the Kaw Nation, and others.
The Retail Experience
In an effort to prioritize local flavor and community-based retail, the new terminal includes dozens of homegrown restaurants and businesses to give travelers an authentic taste of Kansas City. DI worked alongside Vantage Airport Group, OHM, and MRG on several retail experience initiatives, including blade signage for 16 tenants, digital interactives and storied design elements.
One of the terminal’s inclusivity-inspired amenities is the Variety KC playground, where DI had the opportunity to create a unique and interactive brand element for the local nonprofit. A heart-shaped infinity mirror marks the accessible playground’s entry. Integrated into the mirror is an AR filter DI developed that invites visitors to “try on” Variety KC’s signature tophat. The infinity mirror and AR application serve as a fun and engaging brand moment to promote their philanthropic mission.
DI partnered with MRG to create a 14-foot interactive piano tuned with playable keys that strum periodically to entice guests to play a melody of their own. Located inside the 18th and Vine Marketplace, the piano pays homage to Kansas City’s historic and bustling jazz district.
Our team also worked with MRG to design, build and install the massive hanging “book” inside Turn the Page KC, another local nonprofit tenant in the terminal. The 20-by-5-foot Our Home, Kansas City book graphic suspends from the storefront’s ceiling and is creatively positioned as yet another eye-catching nod to the KC community, culture, and hometown pride.
Welcome to Kansas City
DI also designed, developed and installed a digital kiosk inside the arrivals and baggage claim concourse. The LED screen provides ground transportation information, additional signage and wayfinding, local advertisements and KCI-branded content welcoming passengers to the City of Fountains.
As the official sponsor of the baggage claim concourse, Children’s Mercy Kansas City (CMH) saw an impactful and unique branding opportunity to share its mission of compassion, service and community connection inside the high-traffic space.
DI worked alongside CMH and PMG to create two logo signage elements as an artistic “wow” moment that takes flight overhead. 300 “paper” airlines cascade across the ceiling with vibrant colors representing Children’s Mercy core messages (while also serving as an eye-catching and color-coded point of wayfinding).
From check-in to arrivals, the terminal tells the story of Kansas City, its culture, and its people. With a wide variety of local dining and retail options, digital interactives, cutting-edge technology and memorable experience design, KCI is positioned to be one of the most accessible and inclusive terminals to date. And DI is honored to be along for the ride.
Learn more about immersive technology, signage and wayfinding and environmental design
*KCAD, TWC, OHM, MRG, PMG, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Architectural and Historical Research LLC, the Kansas City Museum, Life360, the Watkins Foundation, the Kansas City Indian Center, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, the Kaw Nation, Dr. Gene T. Chavez; Clark | Weitz | Clarkson, A Joint Venture; Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, and Kansas City's One Percent for Art Program
Talk to Our Experts
Whether you have a fully-baked idea or are just exploring the possible, our proven-effective approach makes it easy to help you determine where to start and how DI can help. We'd love to learn more!
Get in Touch
Ashley Elliott
Associate Account Director
Ashley values meaningful relationships and the importance of positive experiences. She has five years of sales experience and is passionate about driving company growth through new relationships from creative strategies. She is always... more about Ashley Elliott
