AAAE announces seven airports as first official airport members of its Airport Innovation Accelerator

Alexandria, VA, 2016-Sep-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Seven airports have signed on as the first official airport members of the Airport Innovation Accelerator, which was established by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) as a hub for innovation bringing together airports with corporate leaders, start-ups, regulators, airlines and key aviation stakeholders to drive creative approaches and build airports of the future. As Accelerator Airport Partner Program members, these seven airports are well-positioned to drive cutting-edge innovation at their facilities and serve as a model for the entire aviation community.

The seven initial airport members of the Accelerator are Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) – which includes Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) – San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Diego International Airport (SAN), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC). These airports include four large hub airports, two medium hubs and one general aviation airport. Six of them are among the top 60 busiest airports in the country.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to partner with these great airports and airport leaders committed to driving innovation at their facilities,” AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli said. “The Accelerator offers a unique opportunity for collaboration and creativity in the airport environment that will undoubtedly lead to enhancements with security, operational efficiency, the customer experience and beyond. AAAE is deeply committed to innovation, and we look forward to continuing to play an active role working with our airport and industry members and partners.”

The Accelerator Airport Partner Program is an opportunity for leading airports to influence and drive innovation for the airport community through the Accelerator. Member airports host transformational Accelerator events, guide Accelerator priorities and demonstrate thought leadership and idea sharing for the betterment of the airport community.

Airports interested in the Airport Accelerator Partner Program are encouraged to visit the Accelerator’s website for more information. All airports that participate by the end of September 2016 will be recognized during the 2nd Annual Airport Innovation Forum in Silicon Valley October 11-13.

Testimonials from Innovative Airport Leaders

LAWA CEO Deborah Flint: “Partnering with AAAE’s Airport Innovation Accelerator gives us a unique opportunity to create meaningful change that will drive the future passenger experience. We will explore innovative and technological advancements in facility design and create efficiencies, world-class services and amenities that modern travelers expect and deserve.”

SFO Airport Director Ivar C. Satero: “SFO is proud to be an airport industry leader, serving a region of innovation. For us, revolutionizing the airport experience requires productive partnerships, and we are excited to join with AAAE and fellow airports on the Airport Innovation Accelerator.”

SEA Managing Director Lance Lyttle: “The Port of Seattle embraces and incorporates innovation in everything we do, from environment stewardship and our business practices to the introduction of new aviation industry technologies. We are excited to be in the Accelerator program to help champion innovative approaches to solving challenges faced by travelers and tenants. We want to help lead the way to promising new technologies. Innovation is in our DNA.”

SAN Vice President of Operations Angela Shafer-Payne: “Pursuing new, innovative ways to provide first-class service to our passengers and tenants is a challenge we welcome every day. The Airport Innovation Accelerator will open the door for airports to connect with those businesses that can provide the services and solutions customers are looking for, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

SJC Director of Aviation Kim Becker: “Our airport was born in the heart of Silicon Valley and we believe that cultivating creativity and collaboration is what makes airports great. Signing on to the Accelerator was an obvious move for our airport and we are excited to host this year’s Airport Innovation Forum to showcase the future of airports.”

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ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 5,500-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

CONTACT:
Adam Snider
Director of Public Affairs
703.797.2576

SOURCE: American Association of Airport Executives

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