Until recently, the common-use gates at Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) were a bit like Wichita's version of the Wild West. The system worked fine when gates were, in fact, open. But when two different airlines wanted to use the same gate, there was no clear way of deciding which had priority.
As airports across North America feel the squeeze of a tight labor pool, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) recently unveiled an appealing perk to help attract and retain employees. In September, a daycare center inside its landside terminal opened under the management of nationwide chain La Petite Academy.
When Salt Lake City International (SLC) opened the first phase of its $4.1 billion redevelopment program to passengers in mid-September, airport officials understood the importance of making the most of that investment. So they took the uncommon opportunity of having a fresh, new facility to simultaneously implement a fresh, new approach to asset management.
When COVID-19 first began lashing the United States last winter, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) initiated a multimillion-dollar response effort within weeks. As early as January 2020, the airport increased its cleaning/disinfecting frequency and rolled out strategies and procedures specifically designed to address the emerging global health crisis.
Memphis International Airport (MEM) recently addressed several separate, but related, facility issues in one deft move. By constructing a new nerve center for operations and maintenance, the Tennessee airport not only substantially increased its own efficiency, it also accommodated the expansion needs of its largest tenant, FedEx.
Leadership decided to parlay the organization's experience operating and managing Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG), Canada's seventh busiest airport for passenger traffic and the busiest for air cargo, into a consulting firm for other Canadian airports. Executives felt that the strategy would not only support WAA's financial well-being, but also allow the organization to 'give back' to the airport community.
Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) presented its inaugural Watkins Guardian Award to Smith for promoting the growth and evolution of minority- and women-owned businesses and suppliers, while also fostering advancement of civil rights and equal opportunities for all.
Airport projects generally fall into two groups: 'sexy' projects, such as new terminals or faster baggage handling systems, and enabling projects that are important but far less tangible for passengers and guests.
When Orlando International Airport (MCO) opens its new South Terminal Complex in early 2022, the facility's gleaming glass façade, airy environs and high-tech features will no doubt impress passengers. But largely invisible technology will also be working on the tarmac to enhance their experience: a virtual ramp control system designed to minimize gate delays.
Some say that when one door closes, another one opens. Turns out that when one Air Force base closes, a lot of doors can open. Salina Regional Airport (SLN), located about 175 miles west of Kansas City, is currently a thriving municipal airport fed by a busy industrial park and a satellite campus of Kansas State University. But that wasn't always the case.
Plenty of unknown challenges emerged when COVID-19 turned the industry upside down in a matter of weeks. San Diego International Airport (SAN) also found an opportunity. While air traffic is at record lows due to the global pandemic, the metropolitan airport is analyzing how the noise data it routinely collects correlates with the number of noise complaints from the community.
Spoiler alert: The relationship is not what you might expect.
From the very onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Los Angeles World Airports has been aggressively pursuing new processes, protocols and technologies to keep Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) clean, healthy and safe for employees, tenants and passengers.
