AAAE

In a constantly evolving aviation landscape, diversifying revenue streams has become essential for airports to remain competitive and sustainable. Ontario International (ONT) has embraced this challenge by reimagining the role of the revenue management division’s  advertising and partnerships program, transforming it into a key driver of non-aeronautical revenue growth.

Angie Spear, C.M., was named director of the Alaska International Airport System (AIAS) in January 2025, overseeing both Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) and Fairbanks International (FAI), as well as the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. She has almost 20 years of aviation experience, having served most recently as interim manager of ANC and interim director of AIAS since spring 2024. Before that, she was manager of FAI.

Ambitious technology programs are vital for airports. Yet the role technology has in securing our operations and enhancing the airport experience is something airport CIOs struggle to communicate and have been trying to improve for years. That is what motivated us at San Francisco International (SFO) to explore new digital territory: building a virtual runway for technology investments through our inaugural Technology Improvement Program (TIP).

As the aviation industry grapples with talent gaps, retention hurdles and ever-changing tech demands, forward-thinking solutions are a must. Building and nurturing a skilled workforce means investing in recruitment, upskilling and employee engagement. It is critical to address workforce development partnerships, major human resource and financial challenges and methods to urge industry leaders to act now. In turn, these approaches can lead to creating a talented and adaptable workforce ready to tackle today’s hurdles and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.