IAAE News
June 24, 2026
Airport operations, maintenance, and technology professionals from around the world came together on June 24 for IAAE 10th Global Aviation Forum, From Data Deserts to Digital Airfields: Making Airfield Data Usable for Day-to-Day Operations. The virtual event was sponsored by Illuminex AI and examined how airports can improve the visibility, consistency, and usability of airfield condition data to support safer, smarter, and more efficient operations.
The forum opened with welcome remarks from Jorge Hernández, Chair of IAAE and CEO of Aerostar Airport Holdings, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Louis Wittine, C.M., ACE, of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Panelists Brian Freed of Illuminex AI, Darren Large, A.A.E., ACE GA, of DM Airports (Morristown Airport), and Matt Falcioni of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority shared perspectives on the current state of airfield condition visibility and the operational challenges airports face in collecting and managing reliable data.
Throughout the program, speakers discussed practical approaches to improving inspection processes, information sharing, maintenance planning, and situational awareness. Conversations also explored the growing role of dashboards, analytics, and emerging technologies in helping airports make more informed operational decisions while recognizing that solutions must be adaptable to each airport's unique environment.
Following the panel discussions, participants joined facilitated breakout sessions to exchange ideas and experiences on topics including inspection consistency, airside decision-making, maintenance prioritization, and integrating new technologies into existing airport workflows. The interactive format encouraged attendees to share real-world challenges and identify practical improvements that airports can implement over the next several years.
IAAE extends its sincere appreciation to Illuminex AI for sponsoring the forum and to all of the speakers, moderators, and participants who contributed to an engaging discussion on the future of airfield operations and data-driven decision-making.
