This paper explores the multifaceted challenges and strategic opportunities involved in improving on-time performance (OTP) at major airports, with particular reference to London Heathrow Airport’s recent initiatives and sector-wide trends. The primary aim is to highlight how sustained focus on punctuality can serve as a lever for operational efficiency, capacity optimisation and enhanced passenger experience, especially as global air travel demand continues to escalate. The paper demonstrates that OTP improvement is not a siloed pursuit. Instead, it depends on transparent stakeholder collaboration, data-driven decision making and integrated sustainability objectives. Readers are provided with practical insights into how airports can more effectively align expectations and incentives across airlines, ground handlers and third party suppliers. These include establishing joint key performance indicators, fostering community forums for real-time issue escalation and resolution, and leveraging shared operational data to target areas for process improvement. The paper also details Heathrow’s adoption of innovative technologies, such as turnaround management tools and ramp cameras, illustrating how accurate, real-time data can drive robust changes in performance. Furthermore, the paper tackles the environmental dimension by explaining how operational initiatives to reduce aircraft auxiliary power unit usage and transition towards alternative ground support not only cut emissions but also deliver cost and service benefits. By reading this paper, airport managers, policy makers and aviation professionals will gain a thorough understanding of how to collaboratively set trajectory-based OTP targets, adopt data and technology for continuous improvement and drive sustainable, resilient growth across the airport ecosystem. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is undertaking a major capital development initiative at Toronto Pearson International Airport known as Pearson Long-term Investment in Facilities and Terminals (Pearson LIFT). Pearson LIFT is designed to transform the airport into the world-class, sustainable and passenger-centric hub which will be needed in the coming decades. This paper examines the mechanisms established to manage the complexity of this transformation, focusing on two interrelated new initiatives that have been implemented by the airport company: the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Cabinet governance model and the Interface Coordination Group (ICG). Drawing on programme management principles, systems theory, organisational design and infrastructure governance, this paper analyses how these bodies function to mediate interdepartmental coordination, mitigate operational risk and ensure strategic alignment across multiple aviation capital programmes, some of which are executed simultaneously in a live airport environment. The SPOC Cabinet operates as a senior-level forum, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, critical decision endorsements and escalation pathways to the Executive Capital Committee. In contrast, the ICG serves as a tactical coordination mechanism, using a centralised airport activity calendar and structured conflict resolution guidelines to manage programme and airport operational activities. Through an analysis of both initiatives, their methodologies and governance structures, this paper argues that the SPOC–ICG model represents a new way of managing complex aviation infrastructure delivery in operationally constrained airport environments. The findings contribute to the literature on aviation megaproject delivery and offer a replicable framework for other complex, multi-stakeholder aviation programmes seeking to balance strategic oversight with operational agility. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

Advanced air mobility (AAM) holds a significant promise for transforming regional transport by enabling the greener and more efficient movement of both passengers and cargo. Its successful implementation faces distinct challenges, however, particularly concerning the required ground infrastructure to support these innovative technologies. A pressing question thus arises: where should AAM services be successfully launched? In the US, numerous general aviation airports operate far below their capacity, while major hubs experience escalating congestion and infrastructure limitations. This issue is particularly pronounced in the Northeast, where air traffic is concentrated in a few major airports, leaving many regional facilities and multimodal hubs underutilised. In Western Europe, there is a strategic focus on enhancing air-to-rail connections to develop integrated, sustainable transport networks. Although this approach has not yet gained significant traction in the US, it could be crucial for harnessing the full potential of AAM and improving the synergy between various modes of transport. This paper discusses the preliminary findings of an ongoing research project in Central Massachusetts. The objective is to conceptually illustrate that integrating AAM within an air–rail–air network provides a scalable and environmentally sustainable approach to enhance accessibility, mitigate congestion and improve connectivity for communities that have been historically underserved by conventional air and ground transport systems. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

Airports face unprecedented energy-related challenges amid evolving technological, environmental and operational demands. The Airport-Centric Energy System (ACES) framework provides a novel approach to energy management by transforming airports from energy consumers into energy producers and regional energy hubs. This paper synthesises the conceptual foundation, technological components, implementation strategies and real-world case studies of ACES to provide a comprehensive roadmap for its adoption. ACES integrates renewable energy generation, energy storage, microgrids and district energy systems to enhance sustainability, resiliency and economic performance. The paper identifies key motivators for ACES adoption, including environmental pressures, financial advantages, operational resiliency and social considerations. The study presents a phased implementation model and highlights case studies from airports worldwide that demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of ACES. Barriers to implementation include capital costs, regulatory challenges and location-specific constraints, while opportunities lie in supporting net zero goals, strengthening community relations and diversifying revenue streams. The findings contribute to the emerging discourse on sustainable airport operations and offer practical guidance for airport stakeholders pursuing energy resilience and environmental leadership. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

The research described in this paper aimed to develop a cost optimisation model for determining the optimal approach to expanding airport capacity in metropolitan areas, taking into account demand uncertainties. The study began by analysing airport capacity expansion cases from diverse global regions to identify potential metropolitan-level solutions and key cost functions associated with airport capacity issues. A deterministic optimisation model was then developed using mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP), incorporating six cost functions: capital cost, operation cost, delay cost, noise cost, operational readiness airport transfer (ORAT) cost and passenger access cost. The model was validated through a case study of the Sydney metropolitan area in Australia over a 50-year horizon and further tested for reliability using six additional experimental models. Subsequently, the deterministic model was adapted into a stochastic optimisation model employing Monte Carlo simulation to address the uncertainties in future traffic demand. This stochastic model was evaluated under three different demand scenarios, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the model’s reliability and reveal the trade-offs among the six cost functions over time, as well as the influence of demand uncertainty on identifying optimal solutions. The research underscores the effectiveness of integrating MINLP and Monte Carlo simulation methods for long-term airport capacity planning in metropolitan areas and addressing the diverse needs of airport stakeholders. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

The aviation industry is experiencing a transformative period marked by rapid technological advancements, rising passenger demand and the need for enhanced safety and efficiency. Airports, as strategic centres for global connectivity, trade and innovation, require a highly competent, adaptable workforce to manage the complexities of modern airport functions. This paper underscores the significance of partnerships and collaborations in airport competency development, examining their role in driving innovation, reducing costs and ensuring compliance with international standards. By highlighting best practices such as knowledge exchange programmes, joint simulations and technologyintegrated training, the paper illustrates how collaborative efforts advance training methodologies, improve operational and business performance and enhance workforce capabilities. Moreover, it addresses the influence of leading organisations in shaping global training standards and the critical role of structured collaboration among stakeholders. Emphasis is also placed on enterprise-specific competency frameworks and the need for performance-based, measurable outcomes in training partnerships. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

This paper investigates the economic and environmental impacts of transitioning ground service equipment (GSE) from diesel-powered to electric-powered alternatives. By modelling aircraft turnaround processes for three different aircraft types, the driving and operating times of GSE are analysed. This analysis forms the basis for comparing the variable and total cost of diesel versus electric GSE, demonstrating that electric GSE offers significant cost advantages over its diesel counterparts, including reductions of 70 per cent in variable costs and approximately 35 per cent in total costs. Additionally, the study quantifies the environmental benefits in the context of the European Union (EU) Emission Trading System, noting that diesel GSE incurs approximately 4 per cent higher costs due to emissions. To further enhance both the economic and environmental outcomes, two improvement measures are proposed: adopting local green energy generation and implementing electric GSE designed for full-day operation. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a comprehensive approach that transforms the airport‘s electric system into a local grid with integrated local energy generation, storage and smart charging solutions, paving the way for substantial progress toward net zero airports. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

This paper explores how organisations, particularly in the aviation industry, can evolve their safety management systems (SMS) to foster a deeply ingrained safety culture. Key concepts such as the Bradley Curve, management of change (MOC) and proactive safety strategies are discussed, alongside actionable steps to evaluate and strengthen safety practices supported by an airport example. The paper emphasises leadership’s role in embedding safety into daily operations for improved outcomes and resilience. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

This paper explores the strategic importance of multimodality for airport hubs, especially considering sustainability goals that are pressuring airports to innovate. Although the European Commission (EC) has encouraged the transformation of airport hubs into multimodal transport hubs since 2011, most airport hubs prioritise aviation transfers over true multimodal connectivity. In response, Schiphol Airport has been taking active steps toward a multimodal future, supported by a collaborative PhD project with TU Delft, following an action research approach. Through iterative research cycles, this study reflects on Schiphol Airport’s efforts to address passenger needs and enhance multimodal services. The research includes cases focused on improving passenger experience in multimodal trips, developing a support system for rail/bus transfers, enhancing information services and conducting strategic sessions with key stakeholders. The findings show that creating a seamless multimodal travel experience requires attention to passenger needs for clear navigation, efficient hub facilities and consistent, real-time information throughout the journey. Reliable updates and knowledgeable staff enhance travellers’ confidence, while special transfer services and efficient coordination make the process smoother. Practical challenges persist, however, due to regulatory restrictions and the prioritisation of airline operations over multimodal initiatives. Achieving a robust multimodal system requires coordinated efforts across sectors and regulatory, infrastructural and service improvements. Overall, the findings highlight that long-term success in multimodal travel relies on deep collaboration and a shared vision among operators, hubs and mobility service providers, with the action research approach offering an effective way to facilitate this process by focusing on underlying needs and building trust among stakeholders. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

At Ontario International Airport (ONT), elevating the customer experience goes beyond increasing operational efficiency. By using a comprehensive, data-driven approach to creating a customer journey map, ONT gains a clear and comprehensive understanding of a passenger’s experience throughout the airport. This paper identifies key problems, areas of success and opportunities for improvement, leading to informed decision making and strategic investments that elevate overall customer satisfaction. Readers will learn the purpose and application of a customer journey map, including how to identify critical touchpoints and visualise the user experience from start to finish. The paper also introduces behavioural science tools, such as retina-scanning glasses, which help benchmark current experiences and uncover gaps in service. Additionally, it highlights the role of data-driven insights in influencing future design strategies, considering spatial features, emerging trends, policy changes and technology integration. The paper describes how to analyse and prioritise recommendations across each touchpoint, fostering cross-organisational consensus and guiding strategic investments in enhancing the airport experience. This knowledge is vital for professionals looking to innovate in service and infrastructure improvements, ensuring a world-class experience for airport passengers.