Sophia, Olivia, Jackson & Liam

These are the top four baby names of 2017. They’re hot and trendy. But what’s trending today will likely be forgotten by 2027. 

Like names, certain buzzwords have a limited shelf life. Are you sick of hearing about “disruptions” yet? I am.  

Another buzzword getting a lot of “traction” (yes, that one has also been used too much) is “innovation.” It’s almost everywhere. I find that there are two main types of innovation. There are artificially grown innovations that come out of lab-type settings, and there are homegrown innovations, often born out of necessity.

We love reporting on innovation at airports. Can’t get enough of it. And in this issue, we cover innovations from both types of sources. It’s easy to picture blockchain being created by computer scientists, cryptographers and mathematicians. Blockchain has yet to make its introduction at airports; but after reading about the experiences of MIA on Page 48, you’ll understand the potential that it brings.

Then there are lower-tech innovations. These take many forms, and several are featured in this issue. How about significant funding for terminal renovations coming from the private sector? Or a small regional airport getting into the restaurant business because no one else knows the market better? Or medium-sized airports providing passenger luggage carts through a lease-to-own deal that allows them to actually make money with this amenity? And then there’s my favorite: A GA terminal building designed to resemble a vintage Corsair aircraft from WWII.

You never know where innovation will come from next. Perhaps reading about your peers in this issue will inspire you to innovate! After all, it will be years before Sophia and Liam will be old enough to launch the next big trend.

Cheers!