Fire-rated panels, real-world performance, and the craft behind United Airlines’ jetway renovation
This post reflects our work in supplying materials, and is not sponsored by nor implies endorsement from United Airlines.
Every day, millions of passengers pass through airport jetways without giving them a second thought. But for the teams who design, specify, and build them, these spaces are anything but simple.
Jetways demand materials that can withstand constant traffic, meet stringent fire and safety codes, and still deliver a clean, modern finish—often under tight timelines and with zero tolerance for failure.
That was the challenge facing United Airlines during a major jetway renovation program across multiple airports. And it’s where thoughtful material selection—and the right partners—made all the difference.
When fire performance is non-negotiable
In aviation environments, fire resistance isn’t a spec checkbox—it’s a baseline requirement. Materials must comply with rigorous international standards while remaining durable enough for long-term public use.
For United’s jetways, the solution centered on FireShield, a fire-rated plywood developed by Garnica. Engineered specifically for demanding public interiors, FireShield combines enhanced fire performance with dimensional stability and a smooth, consistent surface—critical for large-scale transportation infrastructure.
Unlike many fire-rated alternatives, the panel also maintains the workability fabricators expect from high-quality plywood, allowing teams to move quickly from specification to installation without compromising precision.
The role of distribution in complex builds
Even the best material falls short if it can’t be delivered reliably, consistently, and at scale.
As Garnica’s U.S. distribution partner, Chesapeake Plywood supported the project by ensuring material availability, consistency across locations, and coordination with fabrication timelines. In multi-site renovation programs like this, predictability matters just as much as performance.
This is where distribution becomes more than logistics—it becomes part of the build strategy. Matching panels across phases, maintaining quality control, and responding quickly to evolving site conditions are what keep complex projects moving forward.
Designing for durability—and experience
Jetways sit at a unique intersection of engineering and human experience. They must endure heavy wear, frequent cleaning, and environmental fluctuations, all while contributing to a calm, intuitive transition between terminal and aircraft.
The FireShield panels delivered a finish that was both robust and refined—proof that fire-rated materials don’t have to feel industrial or compromised. For designers and builders, that balance is increasingly essential as infrastructure projects aim to elevate passenger experience without sacrificing safety.
What this project represents
The United Airlines jetway renovation is a reminder that the most successful projects are rarely about a single product. They’re about alignment—between manufacturer, distributor, fabricator, and end client.
It’s about choosing materials that respect the realities of the job site.
It’s about partners who understand the stakes.
And it’s about setting standards that hold up under real-world pressure.
At Chesapeake, these are the projects we’re proud to support—not because they’re flashy, but because they’re done right.
Setting the Standard. Delivering Solutions.
