Author: MollyBabitz

By Christina Cole, Aviation Team Lead, Advance Aviation

Effective airport marketing in today’s landscape requires a deep understanding of the modern traveler, a commitment to delivering on your promises, and the agility to adapt to ever-changing preferences. Advance Aviation, a leader in aviation marketing, shares key takeaways and actionable insights to help your airport take flight.

Here’s what the experts at Advance Aviation recommend:

1. Authenticity & Transparency: The Key to Traveler Trust 

   Authenticity resonates. Today’s travelers, especially Gen Z, value transparency and genuine connection. Showcase the real experience your airport offers – behind the scenes glimpses, authentic stories, and genuine interactions. Building trust is paramount, and it starts with being real.

2. Lights, Camera, Action! Unleashing the Power of Video 

   Video content is king. Live video shoots at your airport can bring the traveler experience to life, showcasing amenities and building trust in a compelling way. Give potential passengers a virtual preview of what awaits them and highlight why your airport stands out.

3. Staying Ahead of the Curve: Adapting to Travel Trends 

   The travel industry is dynamic. Advance Aviation stays ahead of the curve, monitoring emerging trends like the rise of “bleisure” travel and other shifts in traveler behavior. We help you adapt your marketing campaigns to reflect these changes and ensure your messaging is always relevant.

4. Convenience & Value: Meeting Traveler Expectations 

   Travelers prioritize convenience and value. Emphasize the ease of using your airport – from efficient check-in to convenient parking. Highlight affordability by showcasing low-cost carrier options and any special deals or promotions. Make it clear that choosing your airport is the smart and economical choice.

5. Strategic Partnerships: The Power of Collaboration 

   Collaboration is essential. Partnering with airlines on co-marketing initiatives can significantly expand your reach. Advance Aviation helps facilitate these partnerships, highlighting the mutual benefits for travelers and creating win-win opportunities for all involved.

Advance Aviation: Your Partner in Airport Marketing Success

Marketing your airport effectively demands a comprehensive and strategic approach. Advance Aviation provides the expertise and insights you need to succeed. From crafting authentic messaging to leveraging the latest digital strategies, we help you connect with travelers, increase enplanements, and elevate your airport’s brand. Reach out today to learn more about how Advance Aviation can help you achieve your marketing goals.

With 25 years of media and marketing experience, Christina leads the team at Advance Aviation with a clear focus: helping non-hub airports nationwide increase enplanements, reduce leakage, and boost community commitment to flying local. Christina and her team provide their airport partners with cutting-edge technology and expertise, delivering consistent, results-driven strategies centered on digital marketing.

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.

By Jiri Marousek, President & Chief Executive Officer – NATA Compliance Services d/b/a Airtera

Modern airports face increasing challenges in managing security and compliance while keeping operations functioning at their highest potential. Identity Management Systems (IDMS) must now meet minimum standards to address these needs effectively. Automation, self-service, real-time monitoring, biometric integration, and seamless regulatory compliance are essential. Yet, many existing systems still rely on outdated processes, creating inefficiencies that airports can no longer afford.

The Challenges of Legacy IDMS

 Many airports continue to rely on IDMS platforms built for an earlier, less complex era. These systems create roadblocks in several key areas:

1. Manual, Paper-Based Processes: Legacy platforms often require manual steps for background checks, training, and renewals, causing delays and additional administrative work.
2. Limited Automation: Without automation, tasks like compliance tracking and badge renewals become labor-intensive and prone to errors.
3. Inflexible Technology: Older systems often lock airports into specific hardware or access control vendors, restricting their ability to adopt new technologies.
4. Costly Updates: Regulatory changes or system upgrades typically require expensive change orders, creating financial and operational strain.
5. Scalability Challenges: Managing multiple locations or scaling for growth is difficult, as legacy systems lack the flexibility needed for centralized operations.

These limitations, among others, highlight the need for systems that are designed to handle today’s regulatory and operational complexities.

 What a Modern IDMS Must Deliver

To meet the demands of airport modernization, an IDMS must include the following capabilities as a baseline:

1. Automation of Core Processes: Automating tasks like training assignments, compliance tracking, and renewals saves time, reduces errors, and ensures smoother operations.
2. Self-Service Tools: Badge holders should have the option to manage their own onboarding, training, and credential renewals, reducing the burden on administrative teams.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: An IDMS must provide real-time updates for background checks, training completions, and credential issuance to eliminate delays.
4. Flexible Integrations: Biometric, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Access Control Systems (ACS), and other integration capabilities for enrollment and access control enhance security and streamline operations, making them critical.
5. Proactive Compliance: An IDMS should adapt to regulatory changes seamlessly, without the need for costly updates or disruptions.
6. Scalability for Multi-Location Management: A modern platform must support multi-airport operations, ensuring consistent management across all facilities.

How Innovation Addresses Industry Needs

An IDMS with the capabilities listed above can address these challenges effectively. By integrating automation, biometrics, and regulatory expertise, such platforms set a new standard for efficiency and adaptability as airports’ needs change. With self-service enablement, operators can also empower badge holders to manage their own onboarding and renewal tasks while administrative resources are freed, improving efficiency.

These capabilities demonstrate how modern platforms address industry demands and provide the tools airports need to adapt to evolving requirements.

Moving Forward

The features discussed here are no longer aspirational, they are essential for meeting the operational and regulatory demands of today’s aviation environment. Systems that fail to deliver these capabilities leave airports exposed to inefficiencies, compliance risks, and unnecessary costs.

The transition from legacy systems to modern platforms is not just about embracing new technology—it’s about meeting the needs of a rapidly changing industry. Platforms like NATA CS, d/b/a AirTera, show that these challenges can be addressed with solutions that are efficient, scalable, and built to handle the future of aviation security. For airports, adopting such systems is not an upgrade—it’s a necessity to remain compliant, secure, and operationally efficient.

Jiri Marousek
President & Chief Executive Officer – NATA Compliance Services d/b/a Airtera

Jiri Marousek is a visionary leader driving innovation in safety, security, and compliance through advanced technology solutions. As President and CEO of NATA Compliance Services (NATA CS) d/b/a AirTera, he is redefining industry standards by delivering integrated, real-time solutions that empower aviation operators, ground operations, service providers, and airports.

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.

By Yuval Kossovsky, Managing Director of Transportation & Healthcare, Mappedin

Every minute counts for passengers finding their way through a busy airport. It is no small feat for a passenger to navigate through check-in, baggage drop-off, security, and customs, including staying calm all the while under the pressure of orienting themselves to find their gate on time. In addition, being met with unfamiliar surroundings and potentially long lineups or delays can cause additional stress. This is why being able to access and search for up-to-date and accurate information is one of the most beneficial ways to help passengers navigate terminals.

Digital signage and kiosks have emerged as an indispensable, interactive hub in complex and large venues, including malls, stadiums, and hospitals. Kiosks play a crucial role in dynamic airport environments where information can change rapidly—flight schedules, gate assignments, and areas under construction or emergency incidents need to be updated in real-time. Providing self-service information that can be remotely updated by operations teams is a key component to creating a seamless passenger journey.

Benefits of Digital Kiosks in Airports

Enhanced passenger experience
Clear, categorized information displayed on kiosks helps passengers navigate the airport with confidence. Being able to quickly find restrooms, real-time updates on flight statuses, and gate information and changes reduces anxiety and confusion.

Operational efficiency
By reducing the need for printed materials, digital kiosks contribute to eco-friendly airport operations and sustainability initiatives. Deploying updates to kiosk information can streamline passenger flow, reducing congestion. This allows airport staff to prioritize critical tasks rather than share routine information that can be provided by the kiosk.

Revenue generation
Airports can leverage kiosks for advertising and promotions, offering targeted ads based on busy travel periods throughout the day. This provides revenue-generating opportunities and increases discovery by highlighting relevant offers and services nearby.

Useful Digital Kiosk Features for Airports

Flight information search
Real-time flight information displays keep passengers informed about departure and arrival times, gate numbers, and delays. Automated check-in reduces lineups and speeds up a critical point in the passenger journey.

Take wayfinding directions on the go
Indoor maps and passenger wayfinding can seamlessly integrate with digital kiosks. Interactive maps help travelers locate gates, restrooms, baggage claim areas, and other amenities. This integration extends to mobile devices, where a passenger can get turn-by-turn directions on-the-go with a quick scan of a QR code on a kiosk.

Surprise and Delight
Drive business to retailers throughout terminals. Digital kiosks act as directories and can highlight airport shops, restaurants, and services, offering dynamic content and deals that change based on the time of day and location within the airport (before security and after security areas).

A one-stop information hub
Provide external data feed options such as news, weather updates, and transit or shuttle information. Interactive kiosks engage passengers, making their time spent at a terminal more enjoyable and informative. Additionally, the ability to display information in multiple languages caters to international passengers.

Be accessible

Digital kiosks should be designed to be inclusive for all passengers. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), European Accessibility Act (EAA), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and other recognized accessibility standards provide guidelines to make content and products more accessible. From being able to adjust interactive touchscreen controls to accessible heights to accessible wayfinding routes that avoid stairs and escalators, prioritizing digital accessibility is beneficial for passengers with disabilities or impairments.

As the connected airport continues to evolve, the role of integrated digital kiosks will only grow in importance. Operations teams managing kiosks can share the same data set (such as maps) or have data maintained across different platforms. Pulling data to drive digital signage is not only about displaying information; it’s also about creating a seamless, efficient, and enjoyable travel experience.

Mappedin has experience working with airports of all sizes, completing complex indoor mapping and delivering technology-driven wayfinding solutions. As airport mapping solutions continue to advance in the industry, expect further innovations that will transform the way passengers navigate and use information and enhance how operations teams manage airports. Learn more about Mappedin for Airports and see how indoor mapping technology can benefit even the most complex transportation hub.

Yuval Kossovsky has spent the last decade developing the enterprise indoor mapping program for Apple and driving the global adoption of IMDF. Over the past 15 years, he’s worked with the aviation community, most notably with the Apple iPad as EFB for airlines program and airport maps for Apple Maps.

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.

By Corey Johnson and Sarah Owens, C&S

Introduction

Airports across the country are working towards Net Zero Emissions by 2050. Airports, like any organization, have a carbon footprint, and their emissions fall into three categories:

• Scope 1 emissions refer to emissions from airport-owned or controlled sources like boilers and vehicles.
• Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity or, less commonly, purchased heat or steam.
• Scope 3 emissions are outside of the direct control of the airport but are generated from upstream or downstream activities (like purchased materials or waste disposal) that enable the airport to do what it does best – be an airport!

The typical net zero toolkit tends to encompass Scope 1 and 2 emissions, since airports have the most operational control over these sources. But because Scope 3 emissions typically constitute over 90% of an airport’s carbon footprint, these emissions sources cannot be ignored. The complex nature of scope 3 emissions can be intimidating to airports of any size and require a different approach, which we will explore in greater detail here.

What’s unique about Scope 3 emissions?

Managing Scope 3 sources requires greater stakeholder coordination than other aspects of airport carbon management. Whether it is working with airlines to provide more sustainable aircraft fuel or promoting more efficient ground transportation options to and from the airport, stakeholder engagement is a “must” to implement any of the mitigation strategies for Scope 3 emissions.

Stakeholder engagement has the added benefit of setting airports up for higher levels of achievement in Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which certifies and recognizes airports globally for their carbon management efforts. Once airports pursue Level 3 and beyond, they must address Scope 3 emissions in their emissions inventories and as part of a stakeholder engagement or partnership plan.

What are some examples of leadership with Scope 3?

Airports are using innovative approaches to address Scope 3 emissions. Below are just a few of many examples from across the country:

• San Diego International Airport (SAN) manages a Green Concessions Program, which recognizes tenants that employ sustainable practices.
• Portland International Airport (PDX) uses mass timber construction for its new terminal project, reducing “embodied carbon” in the project’s construction materials.
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) celebrates the award of a FAA Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) grant to conduct a sustainable aviation fuel supply chain and infrastructure study
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND) uses carbon dioxide mineralization technology to capture carbon in the reconstruction of its primary cargo runway.
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) achieves Level 3 in ACA, recognizing its thorough accounting of Scope 3 emissions and development of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

Scope 3 Challenges & Solutions

Airports tend to hit the same few snags when expanding their carbon management to include Scope 3. The challenges below are some of the most common, along with some suggested solutions to ensure a smooth process.

Conclusion

Scope 3 represents a major component of an airport’s carbon footprint, but it must be managed differently with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement. Identifying and engaging stakeholders early in the process allows for the clear allocation of roles and responsibilities in creating a more sustainable airport. Ultimately, any airport that tackles Scope 3 emissions head on will stand apart as an innovative leader in the industry.

BIOS

Corey Johnson is the Director of Aviation Sustainability at C&S Companies and a founding collaborating with AirportNetZero.com. He specializes in airport net zero planning, decarbonization and electrification strategies, and data-driven approaches to sustainability management. Prior to joining C&S, Corey worked in the energy practice at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C. Corey holds a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University and is an active private pilot.

Sarah Owens is an Aviation Sustainability Consultant at C&S Companies. She supports airports in sustainability management planning, funding opportunities, Airport Carbon Accreditation, sustainability workshops, and waste management services. Sarah studied Airport Management with a minor in sustainability at the University of North Dakota. She is active in her community including WTS Philadelphia and Green Philly.

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.

By Arpit Malaviya, CEO and Co-Founder of ProDIGIQ, Inc

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing airports with remarkable advancements. By optimizing flight schedules, enhancing air traffic management, and improving safety through predictive maintenance and real-time analytics, AI and ML are driving significant efficiencies.

These technologies enhance Safety Management Systems (SMS) by predicting safety risks from incident reports and operational data, optimizing gate management by improving gate assignments and reducing turnaround times, and streamlining maintenance by forecasting equipment failures for timely interventions. Together, AI and ML ensure smoother, more reliable airport operations and elevate overall efficiency in the aviation industry.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

In simple words, artificial intelligence refers to the ability to mimic human intelligence in machines that are designed to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. The concept of AI has existed since the 1950s. However, only over the last 10 years the technology has seen a significant development which was due to the following three factors:

1. The advanced ability to collect and store large amounts of data.
2. The large increase in computing power.
3. The development of powerful algorithms.

Other sectors, such as Telecommunication and Health Care have already integrated in some capacity AI into their day-to-day activities. Now, we are seeing airports doing the same to improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making processes in different sections of the aviation industry.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine Learning is a field of Artificial intelligence that concentrates on the development of statistical models and algorithms that provide platforms with the capability of performing work without any defined instruction but are rather trained through large amounts of data to understand patterns and make decisions or predictions based on the data.

ML is critical to detect potential issues early and prevent failures, as well as analyze historical data to identify patterns and factors and provide information that will allow aviation personnel to make informed decisions.

Transforming Airport Operations with AI and Machine Learning

The ongoing integration of AI and ML in aviation holds the potential to drive significant improvements across critical areas of the industry, such as the ones listed below:

1. Maintenance: AI and ML can revolutionize aircraft and airport maintenance by enabling predictive analytics. These technologies will allow for the early detection of potential issues and help prevent unexpected failures, thereby enhancing overall reliability and reducing downtime.
2. Safety: AI and ML will elevate safety measures by providing advanced risk analysis and failure prediction capabilities. These tools will assist in identifying vulnerabilities, assessing emerging threats, and developing a comprehensive Safety Risk portfolio to prioritize and address critical safety concerns.
3. Operations and Revenue Management: AI and ML will transform the management of airport facilities and commercial activities. These technologies will assist in optimizing revenue from retail and concession operations, managing airport space usage, and making data-driven decisions for commercial leasing and operational strategies, ultimately enhancing profitability and efficiency.
4. Flight Operations: AI and ML will significantly enhance flight operations through improved route optimization, scheduling efficiency, and fuel management. These technologies will enable the identification of the most efficient flight routes, offer strategies to minimize fuel consumption, and help reduce flight delays by optimizing scheduling.

Conclusion:

The integration of AI and ML will lead to smarter, more efficient, and safer systems. These technologies will change the game as they keep on developing, be it maintenance, safety, or flight operations, all these sections will advance in ways that have never been seen before.

Arpit Malaviya is CEO and Co-Founder of ProDIGIQ, Inc. He has accumulated close to 20 years of experience in aviation management, strategic planning, business development, and large project management. Arpit was awarded the SWAAAE President’s Award and the 40 Under 40 Award. He may be reached at arpit.malaviya@prodigiq.com

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.

By Peter Aarons, Senior Vice President and Aviation Sector Leader,  Americas for TYLin

As a leader in the aviation industry, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative potential of innovative technologies. One such advancement that has enormous potential is the Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) gate. This groundbreaking concept is poised to revolutionize airport operations, enhancing efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental sustainability.

Traditional airport layouts often necessitate fixed gate assignments, limiting the flexibility of operations. MARS gates, on the other hand, introduce a dynamic and adaptable approach. By employing a network of adjustable walkways, docking mechanisms, and interconnected platforms, these gates can accommodate multiple aircraft simultaneously, regardless of their size or configuration. This flexibility allows airlines to optimize their schedules, reduce congestion on the tarmac, and minimize ground time for each flight, ultimately improving operational efficiency and profitability.

One of the most significant advantages of MARS gates lies in their ability to accommodate overlapping stands. This innovative feature enables two smaller aircraft to be parked on a single wide-body stand, effectively increasing airport capacity without requiring additional infrastructure. By maximizing the utilization of existing space, airports can handle more flights, reduce delays, and enhance overall throughput.

Beyond operational efficiency, MARS gates also prioritize the passenger experience. With two passenger boarding bridges per gate, travelers can be processed more quickly, reducing wait times and improving the overall airport journey. The system incorporates spacious waiting areas, comfortable seating, and advanced digital signage to keep passengers informed and entertained. By minimizing the distance passengers must walk to reach their aircraft and providing a more comfortable environment, MARS gates enhance the overall travel experience.

From an environmental perspective, MARS gates contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry. By minimizing the time aircraft spend idling on the tarmac, the system reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability within the aviation sector and helps to mitigate the environmental impact of air travel.

The MARS gate concept represents a significant step forward in airport infrastructure. By addressing the challenges of congestion, operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and environmental impact, these innovative gates offer a promising solution for the future of aviation. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing such advancements will be essential for ensuring a seamless, sustainable, and enjoyable flying experience for passengers and airlines alike.

About Peter Aarons

Peter Aarons is Senior Vice President and Aviation Sector Leader, Americas for TYLin. With over 30 years of industry experience, spanning all facets of airport development programs, Peter is a trusted advisor, providing on-site management and oversight for numerous master plans and capital improvement programs.

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.