Southwest Airlines Hangar Fire Protection Renovation

In early 2024, Hensel Phelps reached out to MJW for assistance with a major fire protection renovation project for Southwest Airlines hangar at Orlando International Airport in Florida. They initially relied on MJW’s expertise in high-expansion foam (HEF) systems to help develop the project budget, which represented a significant portion of the overall hangar renovation scope of work Hensel Phelps was asked to perform.

After that initial budgeting effort, Hensel Phelps engaged MJW for exploratory work to evaluate the existing fire protection infrastructure, which amongst other tasks included deploying a robotic camera to inspect the interior of the piping and determine its condition.

This was followed by the awarded for the installation of a new high-expansion foam fire protection system for the hangar. The project scope included two vertical turbine fire pumps, 10 high-expansion foam generators, two foam bladder tanks, two new wet sprinkler systems, fire detection modifications, and the installation of roof curbs, hoods, dampers, and wall dampers.

Through the end of 2025 and into 2026, MJW’s engineering, mechanical, and fire alarm teams worked together to secure the necessary permits and prepare for construction. As the project progressed, MJW’s scope was expanded to include additional mechanical work as well as a complete replacement of the fire alarm system.

MJW successfully commissioned all systems provided under our scope of work in October of 2026.  

This challenging project has brought together a broad range of MJW’s specialized capabilities, including engineering, fire protection, mechanical systems, foam suppression, fire alarm, and inspection expertise. Through collaboration and adaptability, the MJW team delivered a successful project for Hensel Phelps and Southwest Airlines.