Author: MollyBabitz

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Managing Insider Threat with Continuous Vetting

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Paulette White, Project Manager, TADERA

Introduction – Are Your Badging Processes Really Keeping Your Airport Safe?

When passengers think of airport security, they picture TSA checkpoints and uniformed officers. But the most important layer of security often goes unnoticed: the credentialing process for airport staff, managed by your trusted agents.

And yet, history has shown us that insider threats – from employees smuggling prohibited items to contractors exploiting outdated access controls – are among the hardest risks to detect. The question airport leaders must ask is not just: “Are we compliant?” but rather: “Are we truly secure?”

The answer lies in taking a multi-pronged approach that combines identity verification, continuous vetting, and routine audits.

 

  1. Identity Verification – The First Line of Defense

Manual processes — paper forms, spreadsheets, and siloed systems — leave airports exposed to fraud and human error. Overlooked steps in identity verification could result in an unauthorized individual being granted access to restricted areas.

That’s why leading airports are turning to digital identity verification solutions:

  • AI-powered document validation ensures IDs are authentic and match applicant data.
  • Biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition is captured seamlessly via photo kiosks, removing manual errors from the process.
  • Centralized identity records replace outdated spreadsheets and ensure that each individual has one secure, traceable profile.

These innovations don’t just speed up the process — they drastically reduce risks by eliminating duplication, fake credentials, and manual oversight errors.

 

  1. Continuous Vetting – Security That Doesn’t Stop at Issuance

Issuing a badge is only the beginning. Insider threats often emerge after someone has been credentialed. An employee might pass the initial background check but later commit an offense that should revoke their access. Without continuous vetting, airports remain blind to these risks until it’s too late.

With continuous vetting, airports gain:

  • Real-time integration with DACs and TSA databases, ensuring ongoing monitoring of all credentialed staff.
  • Automated alerts when an individual’s status changes — from expired training certifications to criminal history record checks (CHRC) updates.
  • Faster action on compliance violations, reducing the window of opportunity for malicious insiders.

This approach aligns with 49 CFR Part 1542 and TSA directives, but more importantly, it empowers airports to move from a reactive to a proactive stance.

 

  1. Routine Audits – Shining a Light on Hidden Risks

Compliance audits have a reputation for being time-consuming and stressful. But with insider threats on the rise, they’ve become a critical tool for identifying gaps. Audits can uncover expired badges that were never returned, misused credentials, or access patterns that raise red flags.

The challenge? Manual audits drain resources and are prone to oversight. That’s where automation changes the game:

  • Audit-ready dashboards provide instant compliance snapshots.
  • Violation and incident tracking ensures a clear trail of accountability.
  • Automated reporting tools generate TSA-compliant reports in minutes, not days.

By making audits routine and less burdensome, airports transform them from a box-checking exercise into a strategic shield against insider threats.

 

The Bigger Picture – Why Airports Need to Go Beyond TSA Compliance

TSA regulations set a strong foundation, but today’s reality demands more. Cybercrime, insider collusion, and increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes mean that minimum compliance is no longer maximum protection.

Forward-thinking airports are embracing a multi-layered strategy:

  • Digital identity verification at onboarding
  • Continuous vetting with DAC integration
  • Routine, automated audits that never let risks linger

This holistic approach not only strengthens security but also improves efficiency. By using identity management software,  airports streamline badge processing and free staff to focus on high-value security tasks.

 

Conclusion – Insider Threats Don’t Wait. Neither Should You.

Airports operate in one of the most security-sensitive environments in the world. Insider threats aren’t hypothetical — they’re real, evolving, and often difficult to detect with outdated systems.

The key to staying ahead isn’t just more checkpoints — it’s smarter credentialing and continuous oversight. By embracing digital identity management, airports can create a layered defense that not only meets TSA requirements but exceeds them.

With AirportIQ Secure Credentials, airports gain the peace of mind that their trusted agents, contractors, and staff are not just credentialed once — but continuously monitored, verified, and secured.

About the Author:

Paulette White is the Project Manager for TADERA’s AirportIQ Secure Credentials software. She is a dedicated aviation security professional with over 20 years’ experience in the aviation industry, specializing in employee credentialing, program and project management and risk assessment.  She previously spent more than 20 years at the City of Chicago Department of Aviation, where she oversaw badging and launched the airport’s first-ever compliance program.

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

Real-Time Financial Insights: Transforming Airport Decision-Making

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By, Herbert Barnes, Product Director, TADERA,

Introduction: The Need for Data-Driven Decisions

Airports are more than transit hubs — they are complex businesses with diverse revenue streams. From airline landing fees and cargo handling to parking, concessions, and long-term property leases, every transaction contributes to the bottom line.

But here’s the problem: many airports are still making multi-million-dollar decisions based on outdated spreadsheets or disconnected systems. This leads to:

  • Missed revenue opportunities.
  • Compliance risks (think GASB 87 headaches).
  • Slower, less informed decision-making.

 

Benefits of Real-Time Integrations (ERP, PASSUR, SITA)

When billing, leasing, ERP, and operational data live in separate silos, decision-making slows to a crawl. Integrating these systems — including ERP, PASSUR flight data, and SITA passenger data — changes the game.

Here’s what airports gain:

  • Faster Revenue Recognition
    Automated syncing between billing and ERP ensures every landing fee or lease payment is captured instantly.
  • Better Forecasting
    Combining operational flight data (PASSUR) with finance systems allows more accurate projections of landing fees, cargo charges, and concession revenue.
  • Smarter Lease Management
    Pairing SITA passenger data with concession contracts reveals which retail spaces are underperforming and where to renegotiate terms.
  • Built-In Compliance
    GASB 87 compliance and FAA reporting become automated, audit-ready processes instead of last-minute fire drills.

The outcome? Airports move from reactive reporting to proactive strategy.

 

How Integrated Platforms Enable Better Forecasting

Forecasting is one of the toughest challenges for airport finance leaders. A sudden drop in passenger traffic, an airline pulling a route, or rising utility costs can throw entire budgets off course.

When airport finance systems are integrated, the information you need for forecasting is right at your fingertips.

Examples in Action

  • Capacity Planning and Infrastructure
    Forecasting helps airports determine when they’ll need to expand terminals, add gates, or build new runways. Without accurate projections, they risk either costly underutilization of facilities or overwhelming congestion that degrades service quality.
  • Resource Allocation

    Airports can optimize staffing levels for ground handling, customer service, and other key functions based on expected passenger volumes. This helps manage labor costs while maintaining service standards during peak and off-peak periods.
  • Revenue Management
    Passenger forecasts directly impact revenue projections from parking facilities, concessions and retail, advertising space, and landing fees and terminal usage charges. Accurate forecasts in these areas help airports negotiate better contracts with retailers and service providers.

“The difference between static reports and real-time forecasting is the difference between reacting to turbulence and predicting it.”

Leading Practices for Implementation

Integrating financial and operational systems can feel like climbing a mountain. But with the right approach, airports can move quickly from siloed processes to real-time insights.

5 Steps for Success

  1. Start with Clear Objectives
    Identify whether the immediate priority is tracking revenue, identifying areas of revenue leakage, or automating compliance activities.
  2. Select Airport-Specific Software
    We all know that when “you’ve seen one airport, you’ve seen one airport,” and general ERP systems weren’t designed for airport complexity. Platforms like TADERA ABRM are purpose-built with interconnected modules for billing, leasing, utilities, and tenant relations.
  3. Phase the Rollout
    Start with high-impact integrations (such as your ERP’s general ledger module + billing) and expand gradually to concessions, utilities, and operational data.
  4. Clean and Standardize Data
    Before integration, fix inconsistencies in tenant records, lease terms, and billing rules.
  5. Invest in Training
    Data only delivers value if teams know how to use it. Training ensures finance managers, COOs, and property staff get the most from real-time insights.

Conclusion: The Future of Airport Finance

The future of airport finance will be defined by real-time analytics for revenue management. Airports that continue to operate on spreadsheets and manual reconciliations will always be one step behind.

Those that embrace integrated platforms will gain:

  • Instant visibility into aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue.
  • Automated compliance with GASB 87 and FAA requirements.
  • Faster, smarter financial decision-making.

 

About the Author:

Herbert Barnes is the Product Director at TADERA, where he plays a key role in the development of TADERA’s financial software suite, including Airport Business & Revenue Manager (ABRM). His expertise spans system implementation, change management, and strategic planning, enabling organizations to leverage enterprise technology to achieve their business objectives.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

Maximizing Airport Revenue with Integrated Property & Lease Management

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By, Herbert Barnes, Product Director, TADERA,

Introduction: The Revenue Challenge

Airports are more than just transportation hubs — they’re complex businesses managing diverse streams of revenue. From retail concessions, parking, advertising, and long-term property leases, each transaction contributes to the bottom line. Yet too often, airports use fragmented systems to track these transactions.

Many airports still rely on spreadsheets, disconnected billing tools, or legacy systems that aren’t built for the specific needs of airports. The outcome is predictable: delayed invoicing, revenue leakage, compliance risks, and frustrated tenants. Finance teams spend more time reconciling data than analyzing it, and executives lack the visibility needed to make strategic decisions.

At the same time, the industry faces growing pressure to diversify non-aeronautical revenue and comply with accounting standards like GASB 87. Without the right tools, these pressures can feel insurmountable. That’s where integrated airport property and lease management software becomes transformative.

 

The Case for Integration

Siloed systems don’t just slow down processes — they cost airports money. Every missed lease renewal, every missed rate increase, every delayed invoice, and every manual error chips away at profitability. For CFOs and COOs, the question isn’t whether revenue is being lost, but how much.

An integrated airport finance software platform addresses these challenges head-on:

  • Accuracy: Manage lease terms, tenant data, and billing rules in one system, reducing the risk of errors.
  • Efficiency: Automated billing and receivables processes replace weeks of manual effort.
  • Transparency: Executives gain real-time visibility into aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue streams.
  • Compliance: Built-in GASB 87 functionality ensures accounting accuracy and audit readiness.
  • Tenant Satisfaction: Digital portals make it easier for tenants to pay, report, and manage their accounts.

This isn’t just about better tools — it’s about creating a connected financial ecosystem. Airport leaders at some of the world’s largest airports have found success with business and revenue solutions that can unify property, lease, and billing operations into a single source of truth.

 

Key Features of Modern Solutions

Modern airport revenue management solutions go far beyond simple invoicing – they empower  finance leaders with insights and automation that drive growth.

  1. Real-Time Financial Insights

Dashboards and analytics provide instant visibility into revenue performance, tenant obligations, and cash flow projections. Finance leaders can see the most profitable leases, delinquent tenants, and trends in non-aeronautical activities.

  1. Automated Billing & Receivables

Manual invoicing is a thing of the past. Whether it’s rent, utilities, landing fees, or concession revenue, airports can generate invoices automatically tied directly to agreements. Built-in accounts receivable tools track balances, apply payments, and even calculate late fees, dramatically improving collections efficiency.

  1. GASB 87 Compliance

The new lease accounting standards have added layers of complexity to airport finance. With automated GASB 87 workflows, airports can classify leases, calculate valuations, and generate audit-ready reports in minutes — not weeks.

  1. ERP & General Ledger Integration

Disconnected systems lead to duplicate entries and reconciliation headaches. An integrated ERP platform ensures financial data flows accurately across the organization, with all transactions properly recorded in the general ledger.

  1. Tenant Self-Service Portals

Empower tenants to update contacts, access invoices, make secure payments, and even submit concession sales reports online. This not only improves tenant experience but also accelerates collections and reduces staff workload.

Together, these capabilities allow airports to shift from reactive financial management to proactive revenue optimization.

Airports that have implemented integrated business and property management solutions have benefited from:

  • Optimized space utilization and revenue generation.
  • Automated invoicing processes, cutting billing cycles from weeks to days.
  • Reduced receivables aging by introducing a tenant self-service portal.
  • Automated alerts for critical dates (renewals, rent escalations, option periods), centralized document storage, and standardized approval workflows reduce risk and ensure no revenue opportunities are missed. Eliminated compliance headaches with automated GASB 87 reporting.

This results in both cleaner books and a cultural shift – by minimizing repetitive clerical work, the property management team could focus on strategic portfolio optimization, tenant relationship management, and proactive lease negotiations. Property managers can now monitor lease agreement milestones such as rent escalations, option exercise deadlines, and lease renewals in real-time, preventing revenue leakage and maximizing the value of every square foot of airport real estate.

Conclusion: Next Steps for Airport Property and Finance Leaders

As the revenue landscape for airports evolves, aeronautical fees alone can no longer sustain growth, and airports need to focus on non-aeronautical revenue optimization and compliance-critical processes like GASB 87.

Airports that continue to rely on fragmented systems will struggle to keep pace. Those that adopt integrated airport property and revenue management systems will enjoy stronger cash flow, greater compliance confidence, and sharper decision-making power.

For CFOs, COOs, and finance leaders, the choice is clear: integrated solutions like TADERA ABRM are no longer optional — they’re essential.

 

About the Author:

Herbert Barnes is the Product Director at TADERA, where he plays a key role in the development of TADERA’s financial software suite, including Airport Business & Revenue Manager (ABRM). His expertise spans system implementation, change management, and strategic planning, enabling organizations to leverage enterprise technology to achieve their business objectives.

 


DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

How Pouring Rights Contracts are Connecting CX and Commerce to Drive Revenue for All

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Tim Harms, Chief Executive Officer, Enliven

Airports are full of well-intentioned silos. Concessionaires can market only inside their lease lines. Advertising sells impressions on walls and screens, but which do not coordinate with in-terminal activity. CX teams pilot great ideas that don’t always tie to purchase. Sustainability creates programs that can stall at implementation. On their own, none of these pieces can drive the 360-degree approach necessary to drive long-term, sustainable value across the entire terminal.

A strategic pouring rights agreement is the rare tool that can.

Pouring rights, properly initiated, unites a beverage brand’s investment into airport media, CX, sustainability, and retail execution—so that customer engagement and marketing campaigns are funded, coordinated, and measured to airport KPIs (conversion, ASQ movement, percentage rent, and sustainability targets). That linkage matters: ACI has shown that improving passenger satisfaction is correlated with higher non-aeronautical revenue—meaning aligning CX and commerce is not just nice to have; it’s financially material.

A quick example: Waypoint Focus

Imagine a beverage company releasing Waypoint Focus, a lightly sparkling, tea-based functional energy drink designed for adults on the move. Because of the airport’s pouring rights agreement, the airport becomes one of the first places travelers can encounter it—and every department has a role.

  • Awareness that pulls to place. Two weeks before launch, terminal digital screens run simple creative with wayfinding (“Coming soon at Gate B5”). Airports’ DOOH networks are uniquely positioned to capture passenger attention at multiple points along the journey.
  • A launch moment that creates buzz. On launch day, one of the beverage company’s celebrity partners makes an unannounced appearance in the concourse. The activation generates activity on social media and draws coverage from local TV, digital outlets, and even national travel press—PR value that individual tenants or ad placements alone could never generate.
  • A Value-Add Promotion. To harness the excitement, the campaign includes a “Buy 2, Get a Free Tote Bag” offer—funded entirely by the beverage partner. Passengers get a useful, reusable bag (which includes airport branding and supports the airport’s sustainability goals), concessionaires enjoy a higher average transaction size, and the airport sees both incremental sales and higher percentage rent.
  • Retail and sustainability aligned. Participating concessionaires receive coordinated SKU lists, cooler plans, and funded POS displays, while the product ships in aluminum cans to align with plastic-free policies. The result: a seamless campaign that promotes innovation, drives measurable revenue, enhances guest experience, and reinforces environmental goals—all orchestrated under the umbrella of a strategic pouring rights agreement.

Who wins—and how:

  • Passengers get more than just a beverage—they get a memorable airport experience. A surprise celebrity appearance creates buzz, while the “Buy 2, Get a Free Tote Bag” offer gives them tangible value and a sustainable keepsake.
  • Concessionaires enjoy higher average transaction sizes driven by the tote campaign, plus funded merchandising and new demand they didn’t have to create themselves.
  • Advertising and PR partners benefit from a campaign that delivers both: traditional media buys inside the terminal and earned media coverage across digital, print, and TV—spotlighting the airport as a place where “big things happen.”
  • The airport sees the upside on multiple fronts: increased sales (and percentage rent), paid media investment, and free PR that strengthens its brand. The CX lift adds to non-aero revenue potential.
  • Sustainability teams see progress on two fronts: aluminum packaging aligned with plastic-free policies and a reusable tote bag campaign that reinforces the airport’s environmental story.

Why pouring rights are essential: No single tenant, advertiser, or department can stitch this together at scale. A well-designed pouring rights agreement names joint owners (airport + beverage partner), funds an annual activation budget, and sets shared metrics: product trials, offer redemptions, conversion-to-purchase, ASQ movement, ad revenue delivered, and recycling rates. At scale, this collaboration delivers measurable value through significant recurring revenue and improved CX. That’s how a “new drink in one shop” becomes an airport-wide success—by design.

 

Tim Harms – Chief Executive Officer, Enliven

Tim Harms is the Chief Executive Officer of Enliven, the nation’s leading beverage vendor management partner for the aviation industry. Enliven develops and manages world class beverage programs at airports both domestically and abroad. Tim’s work has helped reshape how airports approach beverage programs—transforming them from fragmented vendor relationships into strategic partnerships that drive long-term value. With more than 20 years of experience, Tim and the team at Enliven have driven millions in new non-aeronautical revenue and made lasting enhancements to the passenger experience.

 


DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

2025 “Reclaiming the Sky” Resiliency Winners Announced

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

Young aviation managers – tomorrow’s leaders – continue to show they can extract lessons from the stories of 9/11’s aviation heroes and apply them to meet challenges in their personal and professional lives.

The Human Resiliency Institute at Fordham University, Airports Council International – North America and sponsor SSP America partnered in 2025 to expand the “Reclaiming the Sky” Resiliency Program to build on gains from the first two years of the program and help aviation’s future leaders hone their resiliency skills.

Young Professionals, those under forty years of age who work in middle management jobs at airports and airport service companies across the US and Canada, were invited to read the stories of aviation heroes profiled in the book, “Reclaiming the Sky,” by Tom Murphy, and participate in a workshop with aviation mentors to explore the lessons of resiliency.

As a follow up, they were offered a chance to compete in an essay competition to express what they learned. Three winners were announced this week and will be presented with their awards of $1000, $500 and $250 at the 2025 ACI-NA & ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition.

The winners selected by a panel of aviation leaders are First Place: Tori Carroll, Security and Badging Special at Syracuse Regional Airport Authority; Second Place: Matthew Hall, Procurement Manager at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District; and Third Place, Allison Gilbert, HR Business Partner, Metropolitan Airports Commission, St Paul, Minnesota.

Their winning stories can be read at ReclaimingTheSky.com.

Young Professionals were given free Ebook copies of “Reclaiming the Sky” and a chance to read the stories of airport and airline employees who came to work in New York, Boston and Washington, DC on the morning of 9/11 expecting a normal day, only to find that “just doing my job” was to become the creed of heroes. The stories tell how the front-line aviation employees responded with courage, selflessness and resiliency that day and in the weeks and months that followed to rebuild their lives and reclaim hope – while helping to get the country moving again.

The top award, the “Susan M. Baer Award,” is named for Susan Baer who was General Manager of Newark Liberty Int’l Airport on 9/11.

In addition to cash prizes, first, second and third place essay winners have earned free registration to ACI-NA’s annual conference in Toronto in October to meet with today’s leaders and build their network of aviation contacts.

The project, which supports the development of the next generation of aviation leaders, is planned for expansion in 2026 as part of commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

The program included 25 young professionals who spent time reading and writing about the events of September 11th and the resiliency by leaders in the years since.

Thank you to the judges Cedrick Fulton, Virginia Buckingham, Erin Humphreys, Jennifer Juul, Debbie Roland, and Toni Knisley who worked tirelessly to judge the essay contest.

For more information, visit ReclaimingTheSky.com. For airports and aviation companies looking to participate in the expansion in 2026, contact Tom Murphy at Tom@edge4vets.org.

Celebrating 20 Years of the Airport Cooperative Research Program: Two Decades of Innovation and Impact

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Marci A. Greenberger, ACRP Program Manager

In a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry, staying ahead of the curve is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Since its establishment in 2005, the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has stood as a trusted partner to airport professionals nationwide, offering evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing the airport industry. As the program marks its 20th anniversary, it’s a moment to celebrate the partnerships, programmatic resources, and research that have supported evidence-based solutions for challenges airports across the country experience.  In 2025, ACRP is celebrating this important milestone by bringing together airport professionals to share their stories about ACRP research and programs that have supported their industry.

ACRP is commemorating its 20th anniversary with a special celebration, bringing airport practitioners together to gain an insider’s look at ACRP’s role in advancing practical, responsive solutions and sharing impact stories from across the country. The Celebrating 20 Years: How You Can Drive Airport Innovation with ACRP virtual event is scheduled on September 26, 1:00 – 1:45 PM ET, featuring special guests, trivia, prizes, and much more! Visit the ACRP 20th Anniversary page for more information on this celebration and how to get involved, or click here to sign up for the virtual event.

By serving the airport industry for 20 years with responsive research and programs, ACRP has provided many ways for airport industry professionals to participate in research and creating tools they need. “As a former ACRP Ambassador, research panelist, and avid ACRP reader, I can’t imagine our industry, or my practice within it, without ACRP,” shares Erin Cooke of San Francisco International Airport. “Novice to aviation when I joined my airport, ACRP offered an invaluable orientation and to this day is an essential companion in the work I deliver nearly a decade in.” ACRP continues to make impacts for airport professionals at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re a seasoned airport director or just beginning your career in aviation, there are many ways to participate in ACRP:

  • Stay informed by visiting the ACRP website to explore current research, tools, and publications.
  • Join an event and participate in an ACRP Webinar or Insight Event to connect with fellow professionals and shape the future of the industry.
  • Contribute your ideas by submitting a Problem Statement—ACRP wants to hear about the challenges and opportunities you’re facing.
  • Serve as a Panelist by applying for a Project Panel committee with the opportunity to review project proposals and support the development of industry research.
  • Become an Ambassador and help promote ACRP’s value throughout your professional network by serving as an ACRP Ambassador.
  • Stay connected to ACRP Updates and sign-up for timely updates on the latest ACRP research and programs.
  • Join the 20th Anniversary celebration and sign-up to share your story and get on the ACRP map.

As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, ACRP remains committed to responding to the industry’s most pressing and complex challenges. Just like airports continue to connect people, economies, and ideas across the globe, ACRP provides a bridge linking research to practice, ideas to action, and professionals to each other.

Author Bio

Marci A. Greenberger is the ACRP Program Manager and has worked with the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies since 2008. Before joining ACRP, she spent more than 18 years in airport operations and management in senior management positions at airports in Rhode Island, Indiana, and California. Ms. Greenberger is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

Modernizing Aviation Resilience: Strengthening the Digital Backbone of Our Airports

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Michael J. Rothschild, Senior Cybersecurity Marketing Leader & Visionary, Armis and Russell Yeager, Director of Airport Strategy for the U.S. Public Sector and North American Airport Market, Armis

Recent air traffic control and other operational disruptions at North American airports serve as a timely reminder that as aviation infrastructure becomes more connected and digitally advanced, so too must our approach to resilience. These incidents are not just technical events.  They highlight the urgency and opportunity to proactively modernize and protect both the physical and network systems we rely on every day.

A Complex, Interconnected Ecosystem

Airports today are dynamic, digitally driven environments. Far more than transit points, they are hubs of interconnected technologies, ranging from traditional IT systems and operational technologies (OT) to an expanding universe of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Each of these is managed by one or more of the various stakeholders operating at an airport, from federal agencies and airport authorities to airlines and concessionaires.

This convergence of these various people, processes and technology plays a role in the seamless movement of people and goods. With various stakeholders responsible for their management, ensuring visibility and coordination across the entire ecosystem becomes increasingly important.

A Shared Responsibility for Operational Resilience

While recent system outages were not the result of cyber incidents, they underscore the importance of continuous oversight and coordination of network defense. Whether the cause is aging hardware, configuration issues, or digital anomalies, all aviation stakeholders share a responsibility to foster operational and cyber resilience.

The aviation sector plays a critical role not only in passenger transport but also in national security, global commerce, and emergency response. Disruptions can have wide-reaching effects underscoring the need for early detection, coordination, and modernization across our technology systems.

Moving from Reactive to Proactive

Today’s aviation environment requires more than incident response.  It calls for predictive and preventive strategies, and education throughout the aviation community to raise awareness about cyber threats and the necessity for good cyber hygiene. Proactively monitoring the health of digital assets and identifying risks before they lead to disruptions can help maintain the high standards of safety and reliability the public expects.

For example, detecting a degrading radar component or an overlooked IoT device configuration can make the difference between routine maintenance and major service interruption. Building this level of awareness takes collaboration, tools, and a shared commitment to improvement.

A Path Forward: Collaborating for a Secure Future

The way forward is clear: as our aviation infrastructure grows smarter, it must also become more secure and resilient. This is a collective challenge—and a shared opportunity—for all stakeholders at the airport. Together, we can evolve our approach to reflect the realities of our increasingly digital landscape.

Here are five actions stakeholders can take today to build a stronger foundation for the future:

  1. Establish Comprehensive Visibility Across All Technologies
    From IT systems to legacy OT and IoT devices, a full understanding of the technology footprint is essential to managing risk.
  2. Adopt Risk-Based Vulnerability Management
    Use threat intelligence and asset criticality to prioritize mitigation efforts, moving beyond periodic scans to continuous evaluation.
  3. Foster Cross-Functional Coordination
    Break down organizational silos by aligning cybersecurity efforts across IT, OT, facilities, and operations teams.
  4. Implement Real-Time Monitoring and Early-Warning Capabilities
    Detect issues before they escalate. Early insights help teams act with agility and reduce the likelihood of major disruptions.
  5. Continuously Update and Exercise Response Plans
    Practice builds resilience. Regular scenario testing ensures preparedness across all critical systems, minimizing potential impact.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that securing the future of aviation will require continued investment, collaboration, and modernization. By working together—airports, airlines, regulators, technology partners, and other industry stakeholders—can build a more resilient aviation ecosystem that not only keeps pace with innovation but leads the way.

 

Michael J. Rothschild – Senior Cybersecurity Marketing Leader & Visionary
Michael J. Rothschild is a seasoned cybersecurity marketing executive with over two decades of experience driving growth, innovation, and thought leadership across the industry’s most transformative security companies. Currently serving as Vice President of Product Marketing at Armis, the leading asset intelligence cybersecurity platform, Michael plays a pivotal role in shaping the go-to-market strategy and product evolution for Armis Centrix™.
Beyond his executive roles, Michael is a recognized speaker, trusted advisor, and passionate educator. He serves on advisory boards for cybersecurity programs at Ithaca College and Rutgers University, has taught marketing at Yeshiva University, and holds multiple certifications including Ethical Hacking, CompTIA Security+, and Pragmatic Marketing.
Whether guiding a high-growth startup through a category-defining rebrand or leading marketing through complex acquisitions, Michael brings clarity, creativity, and credibility to every stage of the cybersecurity marketing journey.

 

 

Russell Yeager – Strategy Director of Airports
Russell Yeager serves as the Director of Airport Strategy for the U.S. Public Sector and North American Airport Market at Armis, The Cyber Exposure Management & Security Company. In this capacity, Russell is focused on the convergence of IT, OT, and IoT within airport critical infrastructure and promoting comprehensive cyber risk management.
His background in the airport space includes design, engineering, and integration of airport security solutions, particularly baggage handling systems, CBIS, and consolidated checkpoint systems. This unique perspective informs his passion for securing airside cyber physical systems in partnership with airport and aviation customers.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

Comparing Data Sources for Airport Catchment Analysis

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Clement Zhang, Founder, FlightBI

Understanding where airport passengers originate—and where they may choose competing airports—is essential for route planning and air service development. Because airport catchment areas shift over time, selecting the right data sources is key for meaningful analysis.

Common Data Sources for Catchment Area Analysis

  1. Passenger Surveys
    Surveys collect information such as home ZIP codes through check-in, Wi-Fi login, or outreach. They’re easy and low-cost, and can provide demographic or motivational insights. However, surveys suffer from low participation, bias, and may quickly become outdated, capturing only a subset of travelers.
  2. Parked Vehicle Analysis
    License plate data from parking facilities is matched to vehicle registrations, providing a look at where parkers are coming from. This method reveals drive-market behavior and can offer geographic detail. Its limitations include excluding those dropped off or using transit, out-of-date registrations, and no insight into passengers using competitor airports.
  3. Billing Data from Ticket Purchases
    Airline ticket transaction data (from ARC, MIDT, or airlines) is used to map passenger origins via billing addresses. It offers a large sample size and is widely used for benchmarking. However, addresses for business travelers may reflect their company headquarters, not their home. Data may miss low-cost carriers or direct bookings.
  4. IP Address Tracking in Travel Search Data
    Some analytics tools use IP addresses from online flight searches to infer traveler location. This can yield large, real-time data sets and support digital marketing. Still, IP addresses often reflect the ISP location rather than the traveler’s true home. VPNs and mobile browsing introduce further inaccuracy, making this data unreliable for market analysis.
  5. User-Generated Content (UGC) & Social Media
    Social media geotags and travel posts can show trends or travel groups in real-time. However, there’s heavy participation bias, data tends to be sparse, and it lacks the robustness for quantitative planning.
  6. Mobile Location (Air Mobility) Data
    The latest approach uses anonymized, permission-based mobile device data to track aggregated travel patterns to and from airports. Air mobility data offers direct measurement of traveler origins, covers all travel modes, and enables detailed leakage analysis. It provides near real-time insights and can segment between residents and visitors. However, data licensing is required, smaller airports may see limited samples, and expert analysis is needed.

Each data source brings value to airport catchment analysis, but all have limitations. Many airports use a combination of sources to cross-validate results. As travel patterns grow more complex, the need for integrated, detailed insights continues to increase.

Looking Ahead

Modern catchment and leakage studies increasingly rely on blending multiple data types for more comprehensive analysis. Solutions like FlightBI’s Fligence ZIP-OD exemplify this integrated approach, combining air mobility data, ticketing information, and onboard segment data to offer a complete, actionable view of passenger flows—from ZIP code of origin to true destination by airline. By leveraging these advanced tools, airports are better equipped to monitor trends, understand market share, and address leakage with confidence as the industry evolves.

 


Clement Zhang has 25 years of experience building IT solutions and consulting in the travel and transportation industry. He is the founder of FlightBI, served as Director of Business Intelligence at Cirium and Vice President at MergeGlobal, and holds an MBA from Georgetown and a Ph.D. from Xi’an JiaoTong University.

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

The benefits of ‘best of breed’

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Chad Leqve, Vice President of Strategy and Chief Growth Officer, Copenhagen Optimization

Chad Leqve, Vice President of Strategy and Chief Growth Officer at Copenhagen Optimization, shares his thoughts on how today’s operational pressures at U.S. airports underscore the urgent need for better use of data, analytics, and planning. He also emphasizes that the architecture behind the technology used to support these functions is not just a technical detail—it’s a strategic choice.

 With passenger volumes expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels globally this year, airport infrastructure is under immense strain. Longer lines, delayed flights, and increasing traveler dissatisfaction reveal a system stretched to its limits. To meet rising demand without depending solely on costly capital projects, airports must embrace smart, data-enabled strategies. In today’s environment, integrating analytics into airport operations isn’t optional—it’s essential. It allows airports to solve current problems and prepare for future opportunities, all while improving the traveler experience.

This transformation requires more than just adopting new tools; it demands a shift in mindset—one that treats data, planning, and analytics as core components of day-to-day operations.

For decades, airports have relied on monolithic systems that bundled Resource Management Systems (RMS) and Airport Operational Databases (AODB) into a single solution. RMS ensures the right resources—gates, stands, ticket counters—are available when needed, while the AODB serves as the central hub for storing and distributing real-time operational data.

These solutions were once sufficient, but airport operations have evolved. Expectations have grown, and operations now extend well beyond the traditional use cases of gate and baggage management. Modern airports need solutions that are scalable, easy to maintain, resilient to failure, and adaptable to new operational demands.

Today’s challenges require a best-of-breed approach, where airports select specialized, modular systems that excel in their individual domains rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all product. While this may seem more complex at first, it actually reflects a more accurate architecture: RMS and AODB are functionally distinct, and there is no technical necessity to bundle them together.

Modular architectures allow airports to:

  • Choose the best technology for each specific task
  • Upgrade or scale components independently
  • Isolate and resolve issues faster
  • Tap into niche expertise rather than relying on generalized vendor support

This architecture fosters flexibility, innovation, and operational excellence—from curb to gate.

A compelling example is JFKIAT, which has adopted a holistic, integrated approach to airport operations. By implementing a suite of Copenhagen Optimization’s Better Airport RMS modules, JFKIAT now manages check-in, forecasting, security, baggage, virtual queuing, border control, and gate management with precision.

These systems are complemented by Airport Hive, a modular, cloud-based AODB developed by UK-based Azinq. This partnership exemplifies the benefits of combining leading-edge solutions tailored to specific operational needs.

As airport demands grow more complex, success will depend on the ability to integrate specialized tools into a cohesive operations ecosystem. Airports—large and small—can unlock greater efficiency, agility, and traveler satisfaction by demanding more from their systems and breaking free from outdated monolithic constraints.

The path forward is clear: embrace modularity, leverage data strategically, and build the operational backbone that tomorrow’s airports require.

 

Chad Leqve brings over 29 years of experience in the airport industry, tackling complex operational, planning, and policy challenges. As former Vice President of Operations and Management at the Minneapolis Metropolitan Airports Commission, he oversaw Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six general aviation airports. There, he led a strategic shift to data-driven, performance-based operations, launching new programs in training, analytics, planning, and asset management. Chad now serves as Vice President of Strategy at Copenhagen Optimization, with a focus on the North American market.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

Navigating the Skies of Compliance: Keeping Your Airport Projects on Track

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Lynn Hang, Vice President and General Counsel, B2Gnow

Airport construction and infrastructure projects are experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by significant federal, state, and local investments. From terminal modernizations to runway expansions and road improvements, this surge promises enhanced connectivity and substantial economic development. However, these ambitious projects demand meticulous compliance with complex regulations, especially as the political landscape surrounding diversity and inclusion continues to evolve. Recent scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has created uncertainty for supplier diversity professionals and public agencies. Airports remain committed to fair contracting and workforce participation but must now navigate these efforts in a shifting environment, making strategic, compliant execution paramount.

Decoding the Compliance Landscape: Key Challenges

Managing compliance with various regulations is crucial for securing funding and maintaining public trust. Key challenges include:

  • Davis-Bacon & State Prevailing Wage Rules: Federally funded projects, and often state-funded ones, require paying laborers and mechanics at least the local prevailing wages and fringe benefits for their work, which involves navigating potentially complex wage determinations and classifications.
  • Workforce Participation Goals: Many funding sources require local worker participation to boost economic development. Tracking and achieving these goals require constant monitoring.
  • Apprenticeship Utilization Tracking: Requirements for registered apprentice utilization necessitate accurate tracking of apprentice hours and ratios to promote skill development.
  • Contractor and Subcontractor Reporting: Compliance extends to all subcontractors, demanding comprehensive reporting across all tiers to ensure regulatory adherence.
  • Certified Payroll & Audit Readiness: Maintaining accurate certified payroll records is essential for demonstrating compliance and preparing for audits, requiring meticulous documentation.
  • DBE/ACDBE Program Management: Effective management of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs includes setting goals, verifying eligibility, enforcing compliance, and adapting to legal changes, all while maintaining detailed reporting.

Compliance Control Tower: Leveraging Technology

Navigating today’s complex regulatory environment requires more than manual processes. Airport agencies must rely on effective tools and informed practices to manage compliance across projects. Modern compliance platforms help streamline operations, reduce risk, and achieve project goals through features like:

  • Real-time Certified Payroll Tracking: Automatically collects and monitors CPRs from contractors and subcontractors, flagging potential issues for timely resolution.
  • No Hassle Wage Updates: Solutions like B2Gnow’s eComply include up-to-date wage determinations—at no extra cost—ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Flexible and Configurable: Purpose-built systems support a wide range of labor compliance needs, including prevailing wage, certified payroll, workforce, and worksite tracking.
  • Workforce Dashboards and Participation Tracking: Gain visibility into local hiring, apprenticeship usage, and other participation metrics to stay aligned with program goals.
  • Subcontractor Compliance Management: Onboard, track, and monitor all tiers of subcontractors in a centralized system, supporting full project oversight.
  • Audit-Ready Reporting: Generate comprehensive, accurate reports that simplify audits and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
  • Compliance with 49 CFR Part 23 (ACDBE) and 49 CFR Part 26 (DBE): Track participation, manage certifications, and access directories of certified firms to support supplier diversity initiatives.
  • Generate Comprehensive Reports, including the DBE Uniform Report and FAA report: Quickly produce required reports to meet agency and funding compliance standards.
  • Seamless Supplier Diversity and Prevailing Wage Integration: There are solutions that offer a unified approach to contract compliance, integrating supplier diversity and prevailing wage management for more efficient oversight of inclusion goals and labor requirements.

Ensuring Project Success Through Vigilant Compliance

Airport project success requires navigating complex regulations beyond timelines and budgets. Advanced compliance management solutions enable airport agencies to maintain transparency, mitigate risks, and ensure projects meet or exceed necessary standards, fostering trust and sustainable aviation development.

B2Gnow provides airport authorities and public agencies with tools and support to ensure every runway, terminal, access road project, and program is fully compliant. Learn more or request a demo: www.b2gnow.com. Or, if you’re headed to Arlington, TX for the 2025 Business of Airports Conference, be sure to visit the B2Gnow booth.

Lynn Hang, Vice President and General Counsel, B2Gnow

Lynn Hang is Vice President and General Counsel at B2Gnow. She has over 15 years of legal experience in labor compliance, contract law, and regulatory affairs, with prior leadership roles at eComply Solutions, Hill International, and Gibson Dunn. She is a licensed attorney and UCLA Law graduate.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.