Nanolumens LED displays streamline check-in, elevate branding and enhance the passenger journey at JFKIAT
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 60 million travelers annually and serving as a major gateway for international travel. Operated by JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), Terminal 4 is JFK’s flagship international terminal, and in recent years, it has undergone a sweeping modernization to enhance the passenger journey from curb to gate. As part of this transformation, JFKIAT identified a crucial opportunity in T4’s departures check-in area, which meant replacing outdated, fragmented digital signage with an intuitive, future-ready system that could keep pace with the demands of modern air travel.
T4 historically relied on a patchwork of LCD screens mounted above each check-in counter. These individual monitors were limited to showing static airline logos and basic branding, with no flexibility for dynamic content or real-time updates. The displays created a fragmented and visually inconsistent passenger experience at the very first touchpoint of the journey. Check-in kiosks and baggage drops were also introduced, which required digital signage that had more dynamic capabilities to complement the transformation. With nine long check-in rows, each approximately 120 feet long and six feet high, the existing signage lacked the scale, clarity and cohesion necessary for a bustling international terminal.
The departure level check-in area at T4 is a dynamic, high-traffic area where travelers are constantly on the move. Many passengers approach check-in counters from different angles and distances, often while managing bags, mobile devices and tight schedules. For signage to be effective, it had to be visible, clear and compelling from virtually every vantage point. The team recognized that any replacement at T4 would need to address this issue while also ensuring the terminal’s digital infrastructure remained future-proof for years to come.
The Vision
JFKIAT envisioned a solution that included replacing static, fragmented screens with seamless LED ribbons wrapping around the check-in area. The next-generation signage would unify the look and feel of the departure hall, elevate airline branding and provide passengers with intuitive guidance. JFKIAT collaborated closely with Delta Air Lines, T4’s anchor tenant who has preferential use of rows one through four, to design an installation that would serve multiple stakeholders while providing a cohesive experience for passengers.
“We wanted to bring the next generation of LED experiences to our passengers during check-in. It wasn’t just about replacing digital signage, but it was about transforming how travelers move through our departure area.”
– Adam Dick, Manager, Digital Platforms for IT & Digital, JFKIAT
A Proven Partner
To bring this vision to life, the team turned to Nanolumens, a global leader in LED visualization solutions. With more than 15 years of experience pioneering seamlessly curved displays, Nanolumens’ patented Nixel Series technology was uniquely suited to the demands of Terminal 4. The Nixel Series’ fully customizable modules create a smooth, uninterrupted canvas that can be shaped to fit virtually any architectural environment, from ribbons and multi-story walls to double-sided and uniquely curved installations.
The Solution
For T4, Nanolumens engineered a series of nine massive LED ribbons, each roughly 120 feet long and six feet high, using custom mounts integrated directly into the terminal’s architecture. The Nixel Series’ high brightness and wide viewing angles ensure passengers can clearly see information, whether they are queuing at a counter, walking through the hall, or glancing across the terminal. The Nixel Series features energy-efficient LEDs and ambient light sensors to automatically adjust brightness, reducing power consumption and supporting the airport’s sustainability goals.
As with any large-scale project, the installation presented logistical and timing challenges. Initially, the plan was to install the ribbons but keep them off temporarily while other construction work continued. However, once JFKIAT saw the remarkable results from the first ribbon install, it accelerated the timeline considerably.
The Results
Today, T4’s LED ribbons have transformed the check-in area into a cohesive, intuitive space. Airlines now have a vibrant digital platform to showcase branding and communicate directly with passengers. The ribbons display a range of content, including rows assigned to specific airlines, estimated security wait times and directional cues to checkpoints. The flexibility of the Nixel Series ensures the displays evolve alongside the terminal’s needs and passenger expectations.
There are additional digital signage totems within each row that complement the ribbons by offering step-by-step instructions for self-service bag drops, making the check-in process faster and less stressful. Together, these digital elements provide clear, consistent guidance from the moment passengers enter the departure hall, helping reduce congestion and confusion in one of the airport’s busiest areas.
“We were previously limited by what our old system could do. Now, with Nanolumens, we can shrink or expand messaging, show detailed content, and provide a dynamic experience that keeps up with the evolving needs of our passengers and airline partners.”
– Ron Siddons, Senior Manager Digital Platforms, JFKIAT
The T4 installation showcases Nanolumens’ capabilities in delivering cutting-edge technology in high-volume public environments. Their patented Nixel Series allows displays to be shaped into virtually any configuration, while high brightness and color uniformity ensure legibility in bright, sunlit environments like airport terminals. Humidity-resistant and durable, the Nixel Series features long lifespans and low failure rates, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing downtime.
By switching from LCD screens to LEDs, T4 has reduced its overall power consumption, aligning with its organization-wide sustainability goals. Additionally, the ambient light sensors on each row optimize power usage, ensuring an energy-efficient and passenger-friendly experience.
The Feedback
Since going live, the Nixel Series has earned positive feedback from stakeholders, airline partners, and passengers alike. T4’s airlines appreciate the flexibility to showcase their brands more prominently, while travelers benefit from clearer guidance and a modernized environment. With the hardware now in place, Terminal 4 is planning to evolve its content strategy to fully dynamic, immersive experiences in the future.
“From the traveler’s perspective, these ribbons are one of the first digital signage touchpoints they encounter,” said Dick. “They’re key for providing passengers with clear indicators that they’re in the right place to check in.”
With Nanolumens’ Nixel Series displays, T4 gained a reliable, energy-efficient system built to meet the demands of one of the world’s busiest airports. As JFKIAT continues its modernization program, its partnership with Nanolumens provides a proven foundation for future expansion. Together, they’ve created a scalable and sustainable solution that sets a practical standard for how airports can deploy LED technology to enhance the journey from curb to gate.
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