In conversation with Yvonne Bilshausen at FTE Asia
AECOM is a Gold Sponsor of Future Travel Experience (FTE) Asia 2025 in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. In this short Q&A interview Yvonne Bilshausen shares her insights on how innovation is shaping the next generation of airport design, sustainability, and passenger experience across Asia-Pacific.
Can you briefly introduce AECOM and explain how the company’s approach to airport design and infrastructure supports the broader air transport ecosystem, particularly in terms of sustainability, efficiency and passenger experience?
We design and deliver airport environments that go beyond transport infrastructure — creating ecosystems that connect cities, economies and people. Our integrated capabilities span every element of aviation development, from terminal design, airfield planning and engineering, to program management and implementation.
By combining global expertise with local insight, we help airports deliver efficient, sustainable and passenger-centric solutions that respond to evolving operational needs. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures every project — whether a terminal upgrade, new concourse or regional airport expansion — enhances the passenger experience while driving long-term value for our clients and the broader air transport ecosystem.
What inspired AECOM to become a Gold Sponsor of APEX FTE Asia Expo, and what are your strategic goals for this participation? Are there any specific projects or innovations you’re hoping to showcase or discuss?
Our decision to sponsor APEX FTE Asia Expo reflects our deep commitment to advancing the future of aviation across the Asia-Pacific region. This event brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of air travel and offers a platform to share insights from our ongoing work at many airports such as Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
FTE Asia provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share lessons from these regional programs, and explore new approaches that combine global best practice with local delivery. Our focus is on showcasing how innovation in design, digital integration and sustainability is accelerating the next generation of airports across Asia.
You’re speaking at APEX FTE Asia Expo on “Innovative airport expansion efforts that will deliver memorable travel experiences and enhanced operations.” What insights and innovations will you share in your session, and how do you see these shaping the future of airport design?
I’ll be sharing how innovation in design and delivery is reshaping the way airports evolve, from global trends in modular construction to localized sustainability strategies.
One of the key messages is that innovation isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about creating adaptable, human-centric environments that stand the test of time. We’ll also discuss how modularity, prefabrication and digital twins are enabling airports to expand efficiently while maintaining seamless passenger experiences.
How is AECOM approaching sustainability in airport design, and what role do digital technologies play in achieving sustainability goals within air transport?
We embed sustainability from the very first sketch, not as an afterthought. Our strategy focuses on:
- Net-zero energy systems such as electrified fleets, on-site renewables and district cooling.
- Circular construction using low-carbon materials and modular reuse.
- Climate resilience through planning for heat, storms and sea-level rise.
We align with frameworks like LEED, BREEAM and Envision, but the real innovation comes from connecting design, operations and community impact into one sustainability narrative. On top of that, digital tools like digital twins play a critical role in allowing us to simulate performance, optimize energy use and track long-term sustainability outcomes.
With AECOM’s experience in delivering some of the world’s largest airport transformations, what are the biggest challenges the company faces when embarking on complex airport projects, and how does AECOM overcome them?
Airport expansions are inherently ambitious. The biggest challenges are:
- Financial: Managing inflation, funding models and cost volatility.
- Operational: Working in live airport environments while minimizing disruption.
- Stakeholder: Aligning diverse interests across airlines, regulators, investors and communities.
We address these through modular, phased delivery strategies that allow scalability with demand, and by leveraging digital twins and flexible governance models to maintain alignment, transparency and trust throughout delivery.
In terms of innovation, what do you believe are the next big trends in airport design and infrastructure that will revolutionise passenger experiences in the next five to ten years?
We’ll see continued acceleration in human-centric innovation, where technology enhances, rather than overwhelms, the travel experience.
Key trends include:
- Invisible security and distributed screening for seamless movement.
- Adaptive design that grows with operational needs through modular systems.
- Smart infrastructure powered by data, automation and sustainable energy systems.
Ultimately, the next generation of airports will be remembered not for their scale, but for how they make people feel.
How can attendees best connect and engage with you and your team during the event, and is there a key message or insight you’d like to share with them in advance?
We’d love to connect during sessions or ahead of time to discuss the future of airport design. We’re always excited to share insights on creating human-centric, innovative infrastructure that elevates every journey, so please connect with us to help shape airport experiences that inspire and delight.
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