This week's aviation insights: Speakers revealed for IAS 2024, explore innovations in security at Tallinn airport and transforming African aviation.

Welcome to this week's edition of the International Airport Review newsletter, your go-to source for the latest in aviation. This week, we're excited to announce the first wave of speakers for the International Airport Summit 2024. Additionally, we bring you exclusive interviews with leaders from Oman Airport and Houston Airport Systems. Plus, don't miss our video interview with Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of AFCAC, discussing transformative changes in African aviation.

???Latest articles: Dive into our Editor’s picks

?? First wave of airport speakers announced for International Airport Summit 2024

We are thrilled to announce the stellar line-up of speakers for this year’s International Airport Summit on 13-14 November in Amsterdam, featuring some of the most influential leaders and innovators in the aviation industry. We have speakers joining us from all of the world including the first and sixth, and eighth busiest airports in the world by passenger numbers Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (1) and Denver (6), and Los Angeles (8), and the busiest cargo airport in the world: Hong Kong International .

Take a lookbelow to see who will be featuring on the International Airport Summit agenda this year and make sure you grab your ticket!

Tallinn Airport’s new generation?security screening?equipment makes the passenger journey?more?convenient

Tarvi Pihlakas, the Head of the Aviation Security Department at Tallinn Airport, provides an overview of the recently completed project that involved the replacement of all security screening equipment, resulting in a more convenient passenger experience.

As air operations and the number of passengers increase, airports face the challenge of ensuring passenger safety while striving to improve the overall travel experience. Therefore, there is even more reason to be proud that Tallinn Airport has successfully completed the project to upgrade its security screening equipment, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the passenger experience.

Pre-flight security screening for passengers unfortunately remains one of the bottlenecks at every airport. The process of screening carry-on baggage and personal items can cause frustration and inconvenience for passengers. As the number of passengers continues to grow, it is essential for airports to adapt and ensure the smooth implementation of security screening with maximum efficiency and minimal time consumption. In line with this, Tallinn Airport has made a significant investment of €3.4 million in state-of-the-art security screening solutions. The companies involved in these changes were Rapiscan Systems and Vanderlande.

Oman Airports: Aerohacking a?way to a more?innovative future

During the Airports Innovate Conference, hosted by Oman Airports, International Airport Review’s Holly Miles sat down with Oman Airports CEO, Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, to discuss the Aerohack held in October 2023; how he drives a culture of innovation within his team and how a?new Youth Board is bringing fresh new ideas to the airport’s employees and passengers.

Here is a sneak peak at part of the interview:

"It is so exciting that Oman Airports has been the host of the Airports Innovate conference. What are your key takeaways from this event?"

"I am really thrilled that the conference has started here in Oman and we have been blessed with a good number of companies that came to participate in the exhibition and there were some very nice papers that were presented. I think many of the delegates left the conference with good ideas which they can build on to get a?better outcome for their own airports. I’ve?heard a lot of positive comments about the speakers that have participated. When you hear a panel of airport leaders talking and discussing and giving their stories, it’s not a theory; it’s a case study that helps many other airports who have the same struggles."

To read more of this exclusive interview click on the link below!

Q and A with Houston Airports’ Molly Waits

Molly Waits, Chief Marketing and Air Service Development & Communications Officer for Houston Airport System reveals the exciting terminal expansions at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU) that will see capacity expanded. She also gives insight into Houston Airport System’s successful route development strategy.

"How is your recovery going?"

"We have finally exceeded our pre-COVID-19 peak level, of 59.8 million passengers between the two airports. We’ve seen a bit of a difference in the international markets. We’ve had a lot of strength in our regional international markets, specifically in Mexico, which saw a boom of traffic. Mexico actually recovered for us in 2021, which was very early post-COVID-19 and actually exceeded the levels it had before. A lot of that was due to how Mexico handled travel restrictions.

...We’re still lacking a little bit on our international travel. Prior to the pandemic we were one of the few airports in the world that had service to all six inhabited continents – but we’re working to get our Africa service back. At IAH, it’s also been a much heavier business push than it is for Hobby, and we can see evidence of that on the international long-haul markets because our premium cabins sell out very heavily."

To read more of this exclusive interview click on the link below!

??VIDEO: Transforming African aviation: An interview with Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of AFCAC

Join us for an insightful interview with Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), recorded at Airspace World in Geneva.

Hosted by Holly, Editor of International Airport Review, this conversation delves into the crucial roles AFCAC plays in promoting safety, security, environmental sustainability, and connectivity across Africa’s vast aviation landscape.

Adeyemi discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), aiming to enhance intra-African connectivity and socio-economic development. She also sheds light on the importance of sustainable aviation fuels, the pressing need for infrastructure improvement, and initiatives to attract the next generation of aviation professionals. Discover how AFCAC is working to transform African aviation for a brighter, more connected future.

??OUR LATEST REPORT: Airport security in a changing world

Download our free industry report on the future of airport security, featuring exclusive insights and articles from leading experts within the aviation industry.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, evolving geopolitical landscapes, and increasing global mobility, airport security stands at a critical juncture. The need to safeguard passengers, staff, and infrastructure against a myriad of threats has never been more pressing. From cyber-attacks and terrorism to the challenges posed by pandemics and climate change, the complexities of maintaining secure and efficient airports are continually expanding. This exclusive eReport delves into the current state of airport security, examines emerging threats, and explores innovative solutions being implemented worldwide.