b'BAGGAGEMKE|TPA 29others took monthsand one outlier required 10 months. BecausePHOTO: MILWAUKEE MITCHELL INTL AIRPORTkiosk deployment was often a small project compared to other airport developments, J.A. Watts focused on making consistent progress amid competing priorities. To facilitate the process, Houston made it a priority to meet face to face with the airport team. I feel like once you build trust in that partnership, it makes the conversations a lot easier to work through the various approvals, he comments.A Learning ExperienceGiven the reduction in time Alaska Airlines passengers are spending at the new bag tagonly kiosks, Beamish suspects other airlines may move toward similar equipment. I think its kind of a game-changer for the industry, he remarks. The wonderful feedback I know theyve gotten from customers kind of makes the overwhelming process worth it.Houston notes that the traveling Reliant teams provided consistency and quality for the countrywide deployment, even with the use of local electricians at each airport. We wanted to make sure that Alaska Airlines was getting the same product across the board, he says.Houston also highlights the critical importance of communication, especially since COVID-19, and emphasizes the value of face-to-face interactions to build trust and alignment among project stakeholders.The Business Development and Properties Team at MKE coordinated with contractors before and during installation.THE QUEENS AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:INTERNATIONAL TRADE2021AirportImprovement.comJuly | August 2024'