Ep. 110 - Christina Cassotis, CEO, Allegheny County Airport Authority, which runs Pittsburgh International Airport
AXiNsider by Airport Experience® NewsShow Notes
“It might look like there’s not a lot going on here, but we’re almost busier than ever. In some of the areas we had identified as potential areas of growth, we’re moving really quickly on. Real estate development is one and cargo is the other.” Traffic at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is running at about 30 percent of 2019 levels. But that doesn’t mean the airport has nothing going on during the industry-wide COVID-19 crisis. The airport delayed the groundbreaking on a $1.1 billion modernization project, but spent time rethinking design aspects of its future terminal that airport officials hope can mitigate the impact of potential future health outbreaks. PIT also has begun development of its Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus, which aims to attract participants in the 3D printing industry to the airport, furthered its solar and natural gas developments on the way toward unveiling its self-sustaining microgrid, and diversified its non-aeronautical revenue formula with a foray into the cargo business.
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When the opportunity arose for Courtney Thornton to become in-house legal counsel for the board governing Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, she didn’t even realize it had lawyers outside the city attorney’s office. That role exposed her to many opportunities in the industry. As Thornton began transitioning into a more customer-centered role, she’s had a front row seat as the industry became more technologically sound and savvy in meeting passenger needs for dining, check-in and convenience. Thornton focuses on opportunities that push forward those experiences for customers, that increase diversity throughout the airport industry and that provide wins for all involved parties.
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