Airports Embrace Advanced Technology to Stay Competitive
At the recent Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) Conference and Exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, airport leaders emphasized their focus on integrating advanced technology to keep pace with rapid changes in the aviation industry.
ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin Burke highlighted the critical role technology plays in modernizing airport operations. “When I travel around airports, I see how much they have evolved over the past decade,” Burke said in an interview with Aviation Week. “Technology, whether in baggage handling, security, or customs, is increasingly central to the airport environment.”
Airports are adopting a wide range of technological innovations, from passenger-friendly terminal applications to the development of vertiports for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Burke noted, “The more technologically efficient an airport becomes, the more welcoming it is to passengers and the better it serves airlines.”
A prime example of this technological evolution is Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Florida, which is pioneering the development of vertiports to support eVTOL operations. TPA plans to use these vertiports for both cargo and passenger services. The airport anticipates eVTOLs will facilitate cargo movement between the airport and nearby warehouses, as well as provide air taxi options for passengers.
After evaluating eight potential vertiport locations at TPA, airport officials selected two viable sites, excluding options like parking garage rooftops and the rental car center. Gina Dew, TPA’s director of government and community relations, explained that the final sites were chosen based on factors such as airspace, operational implications, and infrastructure needs.
Joby Aviation, which is developing a four-passenger eVTOL air taxi expected to gain FAA certification by 2025, and Volocopter, which conducted a test flight at TPA in 2023, were among the companies consulted for this project. Dew emphasized the importance of understanding service frequency and energy requirements for these new technologies.
Delta Air Lines, an investor in Joby Aviation, plans to integrate eVTOL services into its operations, offering city-to-airport connections in New York and Los Angeles. “Imagine booking a flight on the Delta app and also having the option to book a Joby air taxi to the airport,” said Lydon Sleeper, Joby’s U.S. strategic policy lead. He stressed the importance of strategic site selection, noting that proximity to main terminals is crucial for passenger services but less so for cargo operations.
The trend towards more futuristic terminals is evident, with increased natural light and advanced technology enhancing passenger experiences. Burke observed, “Passengers are becoming accustomed to new technologies, which improves the efficiency of their journey through airports.”
However, Burke also warned that the pace of technological change means airports must adapt swiftly to remain competitive. “As we move forward, the challenge is managing the cost of integrating new technology,” he said.
Dew echoed this sentiment, urging airports to actively engage with emerging technologies. “People think these advancements are far off, but they’re already here,” she said. Airports that fail to embrace these changes risk falling behind in an increasingly tech-driven industry.
Related news: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airport-business/