7
PUBLISHER’S COLUMN
IMHO (in my humble opinion)
News is traveling at supersonic speeds these days, and airports 
are not immune to what’s happening. So rather than focus on any 
single news clip, here are my takes on what to digest and what 
makes me want to throw up.
MISS The trade war between Canada and the U.S. 
Passengers lose, businesses in both nations lose. We all 
lose, and it’s testing our friendship.
HIT The new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program 
Allowing non-ticketed customers to access areas past 
security checkpoints enhances the passenger experience 
and brings in extra concessions and parking bucko’s.
MISS TSA scrapping its Gold+ private security 
program The option was launched in May and gone by 
August. Can you say whiplash? The abrupt cancellation 
was frustrating for airports and suppliers that devoted time 
and resources to the short-lived program. 
HIT & MISS More talk about the use of EMAS 
Sadly, recent discussions were in part due to a tragic 
incident.
HIT ACI-NA’s Annual Conference
The association puts on a first-rate 
conference and everyone who’s 
anyone seemed to be in Philly.
MISS Any airport that changes its 
name to a person’s name  
We should focus on serving travelers, not politicians. Let 
passengers know where they are flying to!  
MISS Outside pressure about airport amenities
Whether its gender-neutral restrooms or ablution stations 
primarily used by Muslims to wash before prayers, 
inclusive facilities matter to passengers. Period. 
HIT Airports helping other airports
SFO developed a new way to prepare for Part 139 
inspections and is sharing the details in our Industry Insider 
column on Page 74. 
One other perennial hit is the excellent job North American airports 
continue to do. We’re privileged to cover the improvements you’ve 
made to your facilities. Thank you for sharing your work and 
allowing us to profile it in our magazine.   – Cheers!
PAUL BOWERS, PUBLISHER
AirportImprovement.com      September 2026

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