Category: Marketing and Communications

Getting to the Airport: New GAO Report Highlights Challenges and Opportunities in Accessing the Airport

Posted on | by ScottElmore

For millions of travelers, the airport journey begins long before they reach the terminal curb. It starts on highways, access roads, parking decks, and increasingly on buses and trains designed to reduce congestion and make travel easier. But a new report released today by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggests that while public transit access to U.S. airports is more common than many travelers realize, convincing people to actually use it remains a challenge.

In its analysis, Accessing Airports: Available Public Transit Options and Efforts to Promote Their Use (GAO-26-107817), which was required under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, GAO examined how travelers and airport workers get to and from 51 U.S. commercial service airports, including all large hub airports and a sample of small and medium hub airports. The findings paint a nuanced picture: public transit connections are widespread, particularly at large airports, but private vehicles still dominate the way most people access the airport.

According to GAO, nearly every major U.S. airport offers some form of public transportation. Rail service is especially prevalent at large hubs, where metro, light rail, or commuter rail systems often connect terminals directly to downtown areas or regional networks. Medium and small airports are more likely to be served by bus service, linking terminals to nearby cities or transit centers.

Yet availability does not automatically translate into use. GAO found that transit ridership among passengers and airport employees varies widely but remains relatively low. Travelers frequently cite convenience, travel time, cost, and the ease of navigating luggage as key factors when deciding whether to take transit or drive. For many passengers, especially those traveling in groups or on tight schedules, personal vehicles and rideshare services still feel like the simplest option.

These choices have real consequences. As passenger volumes continue to grow, access roads and curbfronts at many airports are under increased pressure. Congestion during peak travel periods can ripple through entire regions, affecting not only travelers but also airport operations and surrounding communities. GAO’s report highlights how greater use of transit could help ease that strain, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve overall passenger flow.

The report notes that many airports are experimenting with new ways to encourage transit use, including clearer wayfinding, real-time transit information, partnerships with local transit agencies, and targeted marketing campaigns aimed at both travelers and airport employees. Some airports have introduced dedicated airport-branded bus routes or improved connections between rail stations and terminals to make transit options more visible and intuitive.

The report stops short of prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, acknowledging that geography, regional transit funding, and passenger demographics all shape what works at a given airport. Still, the takeaway is clear: while transit connections are already in place at most U.S. airports, unlocking their full potential will require continued coordination, investment, and passenger communication.

Why This Matters to the Airport Industry

How passengers and airport workers reach the airport is no longer an ancillary issue.  It is a core operational, economic, and customer experience challenge. As congestion on access roads grows and traveler expectations evolve, ground transportation has become inseparable from an airport’s operational efficiency.

The upcoming surface transportation reauthorization in Congress this year is critical for airports to underscore these needs. ACI-NA has advocated for the bipartisan Don’t Miss Your Flight Act (S. 1966 and H.R. 3754), for airports to have dedicated funding streams for critical ground access improvements, upon which both transit and vehicular traffic rely. ACI-NA’s 2025 Infrastructure Needs Study shows airports need more than $19 billion through 2029 for ground access projects.

The GAO study provides fresh information on why airport funding needs must be prioritized as part of surface transportation reauthorization and beyond. The airport industry’s advocacy will help ensure a more seamless journey for air travelers and airport workers for years to come.

Photo courtesy of the Ontario International Airport.

Airports Are Preparing for Snowstorm Impacts as Winter Weather Moves In

Posted on | by ScottElmore

A major winter storm is forecast to bring snow, ice, and dangerous road conditions across many parts of the United States, potentially affecting flights and airport operations in the coming days.

For travelers, that could mean delays, cancellations, and longer-than-normal travel times. For airports, it means shifting into full winter operations mode.

Across the aviation system, airport operations teams are closely tracking weather updates and coordinating with airlines, air traffic control, and federal partners to keep the traveling public safe and informed. For airports, winter weather preparations typically include staging snow removal equipment, treating airfield surfaces, supporting aircraft de-icing operations, and ensuring crews are ready to respond in rotating shifts as conditions change. In many cases, airport and airline teams will be working around the clock to maintain safe operations, keep runways and taxiways as clear as possible, and support passengers inside terminals.

While airports are designed to operate in challenging conditions, winter storms can disrupt carefully timed flight schedules, especially when heavy snow coincides with strong winds or rapidly dropping temperatures. Conditions at one airport can also ripple across the entire airport system, creating delays far beyond the storm’s footprint.

Throughout the event, safety remains the number one priority, and airports will continue to make real-time operational decisions based on conditions on the airfield and in surrounding communities.

Three travel tips for passengers

  1. Check your flight status before heading to the airport: Your airline’s app or website will have the latest flight updates, rebooking options, and gate changes.
  2. Plan for slower travel to the airport: Snowy roads and reduced visibility can impact access routes, parking, and shuttle service timing, so give yourself extra buffer time.
  3. Pack essentials in your carry-on: Weather disruptions can mean longer waits. Keep chargers, medications, and a few necessities with you in case plans change.

Airports are prepared to do what they do best: respond, adapt, and keep travelers moving as safely and efficiently as possible, even when winter weather has other plans.

Fireside Chat Recap: ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci on the Future of Global Airports

Posted on | by ScottElmore

At the International Aviation Club’s latest luncheon in Washington, D.C., Kevin Burke, President and CEO of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), sat down for a fireside chat with Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World. The discussion touched on the evolving role of ACI World, the biggest challenges facing airports today, and what the industry must do to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven aviation landscape.

ACI World’s Expanding Role on the Global Stage

Since taking the helm of ACI World in September 2024, Erbacci has prioritized strengthening advocacy, enhancing global collaboration, and driving innovation in airport operations. As the voice of the world’s airports before international bodies like ICAO and IATA, ACI World is preparing for the upcoming ICAO Triennial Assembly in September 2025, where key policies affecting airport sustainability, safety, and capacity will be debated.

Addressing Safety and Security in a Changing Threat Landscape

With recent security incidents making headlines, Erbacci emphasized that safety and security remain the foundation of global aviation. He highlighted ACI World’s APEX safety and security programs, which provide peer-driven assessments and best practices to help airports maintain the highest operational standards. While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, continuous investment in technology, training, and regulatory alignment is essential to address evolving threats.

Capacity Optimization

Airports are facing capacity constraints. ACI’s latest projections indicate that global passenger traffic will reach 17.7 billion by 2043, nearly doubling by 2053. To accommodate this growth, airports must expand infrastructure while adopting more sustainable operations.

U.S. Airports and the Global Competitive Landscape

With five of the world’s ten busiest airports located in the United States, American aviation remains a dominant force. However, China is set to surpass the U.S. in total passenger traffic by 2053, signaling a shift in global aviation dynamics.

To stay competitive, U.S. airports must prioritize infrastructure investment, innovative financing models, and non-aeronautical revenue opportunities, such as enhanced retail and hospitality experiences. As Erbacci noted, airports must evolve beyond being simple transit hubs and become destination experiences in their own right.

Managing Growth Through Smarter Slot Allocation and Technology

With rising passenger demand and growing slot constraints, airports need better tools to optimize capacity and improve efficiency. ACI World is advocating for modernizing the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) to align with today’s market needs while investing in automation, AI-driven traffic management, and workforce development to streamline operations.

The Next Generation of the Passenger Experience

Finally, Erbacci highlighted the growing expectations of travelers for seamless, stress-free, and personalized airport experiences. ACI’s recent ASQ Global Traveller Survey found that passengers are increasingly looking for automated processes, premium service offerings, and sustainability-focused travel options. As airports continue to innovate with biometric screening, AI-powered personalization, and eco-conscious design, the future of air travel will be shaped by the industry’s ability to meet these evolving demands.

Looking Ahead

With ACI World leading the charge on global policy, sustainability, and operational excellence, airports must embrace innovation and collaboration to navigate the challenges ahead. Whether through capacity expansion, sustainability initiatives, or enhanced passenger experiences, the conversation made clear that the next decade will be transformative for the aviation industry.

 

Airport advertising – what airport operators can do to make the most of a valuable commercial opportunity

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Leslie Bensen, Founder and CEO, Departure Media

In the current economic climate, non-aeronautical revenues are more important to airports than ever before and one of the most important lines on the non-aeronautical balance sheet is advertising. There is much airports can do to maximize this useful revenue stream.

Firstly, there’s the issue of infrastructure. When it comes to terminal design, many airport concession partners, be they food and beverage operators, retailers or carpark providers, will maintain that it’s important that they are involved at a very early stage of any development project, to ensure as much commercial success as possible. This is equally the case for advertising concession businesses, who will be happy to help identify and explore any potential ways things can be done to boost success. In newbuilds, it’s helpful to consider how advertising structures can be placed at an early stage. For example, glass walls, which can be architecturally spectacular, are popular in new designs. Looking to solutions such as ceiling mounted displays and other innovative alternatives can ensure that advertising opportunities are maximized in such constructions, where wall space that is traditionally used to display advertising might be limited.

Secondly, new digital technologies can offer a wealth of options for creating commercial messages that are as eye-catching and engaging as possible, capturing imaginations in a media-saturated world. Advertising concessionaires offer a plethora of technologies that will help their advertisers get the best from their investment. They will be able to propose a broad spectrum of new options that are in tune with the expectations and aspirations of today’s digital-savvy traveler, and that will enable airport advertisers to really move the dial when it comes to creating a lasting impression.

There are considerable gains to be made by thinking about how to use advertising in airports intelligently. With careful planning, airport advertising can play a role in enhancing the overall passenger experience. It can also prompt a real up-tick in profitability.

Leslie Bensen is founder and CEO of Departure Media Airport Advertising, the largest out of home (OOH) advertising company in the US that focuses exclusively on airports. With more than 36 years’ experience, Leslie leads her team in creating advertising display programs that improve passenger experience and complement terminal aesthetics. Leslie can be contacted at lcbensen@departure-media.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.

Dolliole and Miller Launch Airport Minority Leadership Initiative

Posted on | by ScottElmore

Last month at the 2024 ACI-NA/AAAE Washington Legislative Conference, ACI-NA Chair Kevin Dolliole and AAAE Chair Perry Miller announced a new initiative called Soaring Scholars: Airport Minority Leadership Initiative, which aims to increase the percentage of minorities in leadership roles at U.S. airports. Dolliole, Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Miller, President and CEO of Richmond International Airport, launched this initiative to recruit, educate, and develop the best and brightest students beginning in high school, through college, and into management training positions at airports across the United States.

It will be established as an independent non-profit organization that will focus on four key strategies.

  • Identify minority high school students who are interested in the airport industry and demonstrate promising leadership talent
  • Partner with colleges and universities to create pathways to assist students in their pursuit of higher education in either aviation or any other relevant field
  • Provide students with leadership development, essential people skills learning, and coaching opportunities
  • Offer scholars internships and management track roles at airports

In the coming weeks, Brad Mims will join as the Executive Director of Soaring Scholars. Mims has served as a transportation professional in government and the private sector for over 40 years. More recently, he served as the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and he currently works with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Additionally, nine airports will participate in the Soaring Scholars pilot program. These airports will help to develop the key components of the internships and management training program. They also committed to being among the first to provide employment opportunities to the highly qualified candidates developed through this initiative.

The airports are:

  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Long Beach Airport
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
  • Richmond International Airport
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport
  • San Antonio International Airport

‘Reclaiming the Sky’ Resiliency Project Winners Announced on Sept. 11 Anniversary

Posted on | by ScottElmore

Even 22 years later, the stories of esteemed aviation leaders and their response to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks continue to provide learning opportunities for the benefit of future airport industry professionals.

As we hold space today to remember those we lost and honor those who helped in the aftermath on September 11, we are proud to honor the legacy of so many aviation leaders through the “Reclaiming the Sky Resiliency Project,” an essay contest organized by the Human Resiliency Institute at Fordham University and ACI-NA to engage up-and-coming airport industry leaders.

Through this year’s essay contest, young professionals from across the airport industry 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 lessons about resiliency.

Twenty-five openings were allotted for the program. Participants had the chance to learn about the stories of airport and airline employees who went 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, including the powerful teachings from Susan M. Baer, the General Manager of Newark Liberty International Airport on 9/11, 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.

This year’s winners were Michael Gyan, Project Manager, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport; Salvatore Mendola, Director, Brands and Concept Development, Areas USA; and Deborah Blass, Arup, Associates, Security and Risk. Their award-winning essays can be read at ReclaimingTheSky.com.

In addition to cash prizes, these three winners will also be recognized for their achievements during the 2023 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Long Beach, CA, on October 3.

The young professionals who participated in the 2023 include Deborah Blass, Arup; Carey Metcalfe, Lee County PA; LaTarryl Hall, City of Charlotte; Ryan Thomas, Parsons Group; Adam Ussher, Dane County Airport; Anna Phillips, Columbus Airport; Michael Hamilton, Savannah Airport Commission; Michael Gyan, John C. Munro Hamilton Airport; Juan Martinez, Chicago Dept of Aviation; Antonette Chambers, Clarksville Airport; Kendall Griswold, GSP Airport; Arjun Nair, Syracuse Airport; Jimmy Vazques, San Diego Airport; Aireyanna Kennedy, Syracuse Airport; Benjamin Torres, San Diego Airport; James Gerrald, Jacobs; Ana Zivanovic, San Francisco Airport; Esther Chitsinde, HDR; Christopher Liese, Munich Airport USA Holding; Anandhi Mahalingam, Transsolutions; Kristin Jewell, Baton Rouge Airport; Julie Seglem, Areas USA; Madison Strong, Tulsa Airport; Roeland Visser, InterVISTAS; Jeff Taylor, Jacksonville Airport, Salvatore Mendola, Areas USA; Brooke Bowman, Areas USA.

Judges for the essay competition were aviation industry leaders Cedric Fulton, Virginia Buckingham, Lysa Leiponis, Eileen Ammiano, John Duval, Kathy Denker, Debbie Roland and Jennifer Juul.

For more information, visit ReclaimingTheSky.com. For aviation companies looking to participate in the expansion in 2024, contact Tom Murphy at Tom@edge4vets.org.

It’s Time for Airports to Evolve Beyond Traditional Data Sources

Posted on | by RaechelRucker


By Mark Summers, General Manager/Airports at Zartico

We are in the midst of a data renaissance — one that has the potential to be as disruptive to the aviation industry as any technological innovation we’ve seen in the 21st century.

Let’s face it — traditional airport data has changed little over the years. It may be more timely and accessible, thanks to automated systems improvements, but the truth is that the operational data airports receive from the DOT, TSA, airport systems, air traffic control, and airlines is static, disconnected, and best used to manage costs.

Meanwhile, the proliferation of big data has made powerful consumer insights available to organizations of all sizes. For airports, these new insights into human movement and behavior are the key to unlocking untapped revenue opportunities and making data-led strategic decisions that will shape the future of aviation in our communities.

While legacy data is and will continue to be a critical component of running a successful airport, it’s time to ask yourself if it’s really enough to grow a thriving airport in a world where passengers have more choices than ever before.

In order to drive new revenue streams, innovate processes, and compete with nearby airports, you need a new source of data that can give you a clearer picture of your passengers, who they are, and where they go.

These are the insights that Zartico provides partners. By drawing on the largest commercially available geolocation data stream and pairing it with event intelligence data, we offer a level of visibility that goes miles beyond what airports have traditionally seen.

Consider a few questions:

  • Do you know who is moving through your airport? Where they live? What they do after arriving through your gates? Understanding passengers’ home markets and seeing where they go after flying into your airport opens new opportunities to target marketing efforts and grow footfall.
  • Do you have an eye on future impacts to airport traffic? A single sporting event, festival, or even solar eclipse (hello, April 2024!) can bring a sudden swell of passengers. Knowing what’s ahead gives you time to increase air service or staff up accordingly.
  • How do you measure up against your competitors? How many passengers in your catchment area are choosing a nearby airport instead of yours? And how many inbound fliers are landing elsewhere and driving the final leg to your destination?
  • What about parking? Even small incremental gains in parking utilization can have a big impact on revenue.

Answers to all of these questions and more are now accessible in Zartico’s latest Destination Operating System, ZDOS™ Airport. This strategic planning tool is purpose-built for airports with brand-new insights that address airports’ unique needs.

Our passenger-specific data model facilitates fast, meaningful analysis without the need for technical staff or complex data processing. And ZDOS™ Airport is the only service available that applies machine learning to airport usage data sets to guide marketing, air service development, and content creation.

Get the insights your airport needs for future-focused decision-making — reach out to book a demo of ZDOS™ Airport today.

Mark Summers is Zartico’s General Manager for Airports. He has been involved in commercial aviation for his entire professional career, working with Eastern Airlines, SITA, and Rockwell/Collins Airport Services. He is a former ACI committee member and resides in the Atlanta metro area.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Overcoming the Challenges of Airport Marketing: Embracing Innovation for Success

Posted on | by RaechelRucker

By Steve Romme, Co-founder of Airport One, LLC

As a marketer specializing in helping airports grow, I understand the significant challenges airport marketers face. Through this blog post, I will recount my personal journey from frustration to innovation as an airport marketer.

Many years ago, I received a request to assist my local airport to improve its marketing. They needed to reduce leakage and gain more routes. At first, as a consumer-driven marketing expert, I didn’t feel particularly enthusiastic about the idea of marketing an airport. But then, a friend educated me about the immense impact that airports have on their community. She emphasized the direct correlation between the community’s prosperity and the volume of people, commerce, and ideas that flow through its airport.  This realization opened my eyes to the vital role airport directors and marketers play in their communities.  It also motivated me to join them as an airport marketer.

During my early days as an airport marketer, I encountered a significant and recurring frustration. There was no ideal online platform to direct consumers that could effectively guide them towards making an airport-loyal purchase. On one hand, sending consumers directly to a single airline limits their awareness of all the convenient flight options available from the airport and prompts many to explore other airports instead. On the other hand, directing them to online travel agents (OTAs) introduces the risk of promoting rival airports and other uncertainties. Unfortunately, these tradeoffs also inherently diminished the effectiveness of every marketing dollar we invested.

Furthermore, overseeing marketing investments became increasingly challenging due to the lack of purchase data sharing from both airlines and OTAs. This left us unaware of the actual effectiveness of our marketing efforts, and myself even more frustrated as a data-driven marketer.  Without good data, I’ve learned throughout my career that it’s impossible to optimize your advertising creative and placements.

Innovation often emerges from a mix of frustration, motivation, and a stroke of luck. Such was the case when I crossed paths with my co-founder, Stephen Heyes.  We shared a profound passion for travel and a common mission to support local communities. However, unlike me, Stephen was an expert at identifying and applying relevant technologies to everyday business problems. United by our diverse expertise, we created FlyMyAirport™ – an innovative new online platform designed to empower local airports and satisfy consumers. By educating consumers about their best local flight choices, and providing valuable insights to airport marketers through purchase attribution, FlyMyAirport is designed to completely change the way airports market themselves to their local community.  The name itself, “FlyMyAirport,” was deliberately chosen to spark a conversation between airports and their community, including local businesses, urging them to embrace the idea of flying local and contributing to their community’s prosperity.  In summary, creating FlyMyAirport was my way of saying “take that” to all my frustrations as an airport marketer.  Frustration can lead to innovation if you embrace a growth mindset and challenge the status quo no matter what industry you are in.

FlyMyAirport was recently showcased by Aviation Pros in an article titled “Appleton Airport Launches FlyMyAirport | Aviation Pros.” Since then, more airports have chosen FlyMyAirport which you can experience here: FlyMyAirport Demo – Airport One LLC.

 

About the author

Steve Romme is the cofounder of Airport One, LLC, a company operating at the intersection of Marketing & Technology, specializing in helping airports grow and their communities thrive.  They are on a mission to get more people to fly locally, reshaping how consumers think about airports and how airports engage consumers.

 

 

 

 

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.

Innovating with QR Codes

Posted on | by RaechelRucker

By Neil Chatwood, Transportation Lead, Omnivex Corporation

QR codes are not a new concept. They have been around for close to 30 years. However, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a resurgence in the use of QR codes in some new and innovative uses.

Virtual Queuing

A QR code on a digital screen can quickly make information portable to a mobile device, and the pandemic dramatically increased the need for this. Now wait times, scheduling information, and many other details can update in real-time on an individual’s mobile phone. In addition, the QR code enables organizations to control crowds more effectively and allows folks to move around a facility while waiting for an appointment, flight, etc.

Passenger Queue System

In 2021, Omnivex and Wipro collaborated with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) on a cloud-based Passenger Queue System (PQS) pilot project to improve the boarding experience. Passengers scanned a QR code with their mobile device to access real-time boarding information without installing an app or updating their browser. Omnivex Ink, a digital communications platform, facilitated this.

This innovative approach to using QR codes had several advantages:

  • Reduced congestion around the gate: Passengers didn’t need to swarm their gate to hear announcements or see the gate screen. Additionally, the gates with the PQS ensured boarding announcements and zones were visible to all guests and met ATPDR (accessible transportation for persons with disabilities regulations) requirements.
  • On-time performance: Gates utilizing the PQS system reported zero delays.
  • Reduced questions and announcements: Gates utilizing the PQS system experienced a decrease in both questions about boarding and announcements at the gate.
  • Increased revenue opportunities: Having information accessible on their mobile phone allowed passengers to visit nearby restaurants or shops. 86% of flights collected ancillary revenue.
  • No privacy concerns: Passengers could access real-time flight information from their mobile phones without logging into a platform, and the system tracked no personal information.

Monetization of screens

The combination of QR codes and digital signage provides a unique opportunity to monetize screens. For example, share vouchers and highlight limited-time deals or advertisements with a quick QR code scan. In venues such as airports, shopping malls, and stadiums, this provides a way to recoup the cost of their digital signage network while providing an enhanced passenger, shopper, or fan experience. These facilities can generate advertising revenue by enabling shops, services, and restaurants in their venue to promote themselves.

For example, in an airport, a QR code on a screen as the traveler walks to their gate provides a coupon for a new restaurant in the terminal. Similarly, a QR code on a lobby screen in the stadium includes ticket information for upcoming events.

The value of QR codes is clear, and innovative use cases will continue to evolve. QR codes are a quick and easy way to make information portable and accessible from a mobile phone. They also help align with “quiet” strategies in venues like airports by eliminating the need for announcements over the PA system.

 

 

 

 

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.

’60 Minutes’ Correspondent Scott Pelley: Aviation is a Miracle

Posted on | by ScottElmore

During the 2022 ACI-NA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Alessio Olivetti caught up with Scott Pelley, the 60 Minutes correspondent and 2022 annual conference keynote, who shared his experience as tireless traveler and long-time journalist.

 

AO: You travel all around the world. It’s safe to say you’re a frequent traveler. What’s the most memorable airport experience have you ever had?

SP: My most memorable experience would have been at the very beginning of COVID, when thousands of people in the United States were dying every day.

I was covering COVID, and I was flying through Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. I got off the plane and I was the only person in the terminal. Everything was closed. There were Texas State troopers clearing every plane and taking down the contact information for every passenger who came off.

I could hear the soles of my shoes clacketing on the floor. I was literally by myself walking through Houston Intercontinental, which I came through many times surrounded by tens of thousands of people in the terminal.

It was just such a shocking, remarkable experience to understand better in an airport than anywhere else the effects the COVID was having and would continue to have on the national economy. If Houston Intercontinental is empty of people, the economy has stopped, you can tell.

 

AO: You wanted to become an astronaut when you were a child. The U.S. has been the cradle of the aerospace industry for a century. Why are people fascinated in stories about aviation and lately about space tourism?

SP: People are still fascinated about the courage required to leave the Earth and fly beyond the atmosphere. Even though we have been watching that happen in the United States since 1957, the year I was born by the way, people are still fascinated about the images coming back from space, our astronauts on the International Space Station for example. And now in this all-new world of private companies launching people in space we are beginning to imagine, ‘Hey, it could be me, I could go too!’

In terms of aviation, there is just something about flying. I should be the most jaded airline passenger at all times. I’m a multi-million miler on many different airlines, but I’m still thrilled when I get on a plane and it leaves the ground. It never gets old.

I was on the A380 the other day, which is the size of an apartment building. The engineering involved in building something like an A380 or a 747-8 is a miracle, getting that thing off the ground almost effortlessly. Engineering is far beyond me, but I have so much respect for it.

There is another thing about aviation. People complain insensitively about their flight being delayed, canceled, or their luggage being lost. I get all of that, it’s very frustrating.

But I would argue that aviation today is a miracle. You can literally be anywhere on this Earth in 24 hours. Imagine such a thing.

I’m amazed at the way the airline industry runs all around the world with thousands of operations every day, and virtually accident-free. It’s one of the greatest achievements of man.

 

AO: What’s your favorite interview if you have one?

SP: Now I have a new favorite interview and that’s the one I did in April with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

I’ve never met a leader of a country who has impressed me more. The courage that he took to stay in Kyiv when the Russians were coming at him in three different directions. And when he walked outside into the courtyard and filmed a video message on his phone.

That moment galvanized the country to resist. It was on the knife’s edge of collapsing until he walked out and said, ‘We’re not going anywhere, we’re all staying here.’

Just an incredibly courageous and impressive man who forced the Russians to retreat from Kyiv and from Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv. He has punched way above his weight leading his people so courageously.

At the end of the interview, I said ‘Mr. President, we wish you all the luck in the world.’ He broke into English saying, ‘Half of it, I think we need half of it.’

A man with 44 million people on his shoulders and he is still having a sense of humor.