When Steve Kjergaard accepted the position as director at Sloulin Field International Airport (ISN) six years ago, he thought it would be a static, solid three-year experience without much fanfare. Boy was he wrong. Shortly after he arrived at the North Dakota facility, an oil boom struck and flooded the area with geologists, oil field workers and contractors. Hotel rooms and rental cars became scarce, and traffic at ISN ballooned.
Once the exclusive domain of tech geeks and ultra-serious computer gamers, online forums are now mainstream information sources for many people. Airport operators and personnel, in fact, have multiple industry-specific sites at their disposal.
With more than 16 million annual enplanements, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the undisputed grande dame of Massachusetts. What many people don't know, however, is that during summer, the state's second-largest airport rivals BOS' flight operations due to its own volume of general aviation traffic.
Wait times at TSA checkpoints became a hot topic this summer, especially when passengers stuck in screening lines began missing flights after arriving hours before their departure times. As lines grew, so did the frustration, and U.S. airports redoubled ongoing efforts to keep passengers happy while maintaining high security levels.
Collaboration and ongoing improvement are guiding principles at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (YOW). Recent enhancements to the airport's high-tech operations control center demonstrate how important both are at the Ontario facility.
As airports become increasingly complex environments to navigate, guests need more help from wayfinding aids. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is doing its part to relieve travelers' stress by installing digital LG directories throughout its two terminals.
When Uber burst onto the scene several years ago, using a smartphone app to arrange rides from privately owned vehicles struck a chord with select customers. Early adopters bragged enthusiastically about the money they were saving, other companies launched similar services and a new business model was born: transportation network companies (TNCs).
When disaster strikes, airport staff must react quickly and decisively - almost instinctively. That's why annual emergency training is so important. It helps employees perform appropriately and safely by providing opportunities to practice their particular roles in prescribed response procedures.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is adding a touch of Hollywood to its nature-friendly culture with a customized television network. The project is not about red carpets and entourages; it's simply another program to engage passengers and make their travel more enjoyable. A national media company provides specially modified programming for travelers and ultra-targeted advertising is expected to boost non-airline revenue - another ongoing effort at the busy hub.
Mowing an airfield requires an organized process - especially in Florida, where grass grows quickly thanks to never-ending sun and ample moisture. Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), situated on 1,700 acres of land between Tampa and Orlando, enhanced its approach last summer by changing from one-dimensional paper recordkeeping to a more integrated cloud-based software system.
There's no denying it: cell phones, laptops and tablets are officially ubiquitous. According to SAP, there were more mobile devices than people on Earth at the end of 2013.
Commercial airports certainly know where their travelers are going; but many don't know where they are coming from. Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) in Florida has been tracking such information for about six years, and officials enjoy the rewards that come with being in the know: more targeted advertising campaigns and stronger appeals for additional airline service.
