From HVAC Pipefitter to Airport Icon: The New Voice of Boston Logan

A Nationwide Search for a New Sound

Boston Logan International Airport, a major global transit hub, has officially concluded its extensive search for a new voice to guide travelers through its terminals. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), the agency responsible for the management and oversight of the airport, recently announced that the selection process was highly competitive, drawing interest from across the region.

According to official figures released by Massport, the contest attracted more than 6,000 individual auditions. The search sought a candidate capable of providing clear, professional, and welcoming announcements for the millions of passengers who navigate the airport annually.

The Winner Emerges

Among the thousands of applicants who submitted their voices for consideration, the panel of judges ultimately selected Chris Donisi, a resident of Burlington, Massachusetts. While many might expect the voice of a major international airport to come from the world of professional broadcasting or voice acting, Donisi brings a different background to the role. By trade, he is an HVAC pipefitter, a profession far removed from the public address systems of a bustling airport terminal.

The transition from working on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to becoming the sonic identity of a major transportation hub marks a significant personal milestone for Donisi. Following the announcement of his victory, he expressed his gratitude regarding the selection, noting that he felt deeply honored to have been chosen from such a vast pool of candidates.

What This Means for Travelers

The role of the airport voice is critical for the daily operations of Boston Logan. These announcements serve as the primary method for communicating essential information, including gate changes, boarding calls, and security reminders. By selecting a voice through a public contest, Massport aimed to find a tone that resonates with the public while maintaining the clarity required for high-traffic environments.

As Donisi prepares to step into this unique role, he has begun engaging with media outlets to discuss the experience of participating in the contest and his reaction to winning. His selection highlights the success of Massport’s open-call approach, which allowed ordinary citizens to compete for a position that will be heard by travelers from around the world.

While the airport has not yet specified the exact date when Donisi’s recordings will begin playing throughout the terminals, the announcement marks the end of a rigorous selection phase. For the thousands who auditioned, the process served as a unique opportunity to contribute to the infrastructure of one of the United States’ busiest airports. For Donisi, it represents an unexpected turn in his career, moving from the mechanical work of pipefitting to the public-facing duty of guiding travelers on their journeys.

Source: cbsnews.com