In conversation with Yvonne Bilshausen
AECOM is a Gold Sponsor of Future Travel Experience (FTE) Asia 2024 in Singapore. In this short blog post, Yvonne her shares insights into how AECOM is redefining airport design, delivering enhanced passenger experiences, improved sustainability and future-ready solutions.
AECOM is a Gold Sponsor of FTE APEX Asia Expo 2024. What are your main hopes and objectives for the event?
I’m incredibly excited to participate in FTE Asia. My main hopes and objectives for the event are to connect with visionary thinkers and share insights that can drive the aviation industry forward. FTE Asia is vital for fostering collaboration, sparking innovative ideas, and cultivating meaningful connections with fellow innovators who share our passion and vision. Engaging in these conversations will not only inspire us but also strengthen our collective commitment to shaping the future of aviation.
You are speaking in the Premium Conference at FTE APEX Asia Expo, with the APAC unveiling of the ‘FTE Airport Design & Development Think Tank’. What key messages will you share about the work undertaken by the Think Tank?
The Airport Design & Development Think Tank has launched an inspiring conversation with leading figures in the aviation industry as we delve into the exciting challenges and bold visions that are redefining the future of airport design and development. Some of the areas the Think Tank will explore include:
- Elevating passenger experience: Creating seamless, intuitive spaces that cater to diverse traveler needs through clear layouts and engaging amenities.
- Prioritizing efficiency and functionality: Airports are dynamic hubs requiring peak performance, and AECOM’s architects and engineers design terminals to optimize passenger flow, streamline security, and ensure seamless baggage handling, elevating the air travel experience.
- Commitment to sustainability: Integrating eco-friendly systems and materials to reduce environmental impact while enhancing design quality.
- Emphasizing flexibility and scalability: Ensuring designs can adapt to passenger growth and evolving technologies.
- Embracing technological integration: Incorporating advanced systems to improve efficiency and engagement across the travel journey.
- Innovative design solutions: AECOM’s designers create iconic, high-ROI designs that blend captivating aesthetics with practical functionality, redefining terminal efficiency and elevating the air travel experience.
- Passenger-centric features: By prioritizing diverse passenger needs, including inviting dwell areas, gourmet dining, and vibrant retail spaces, we elevate airports into enjoyable destinations that enhance traveler satisfaction.
- Cultural identity: Embedding local elements to enrich the passenger experience with authentic, meaningful connections.
Collaboration across disciplines remains central to delivering innovative, future-ready airport solutions.
In what ways is AECOM prioritizing digital integration, sustainability, and human-centered design in airport planning and design for the terminals of the future?
Our approach to terminal planning, design, and delivery is anchored by three dynamic pillars: cutting-edge digital integration, innovative sustainability practices, and a focus on human-centric design that puts the traveler at the heart of every decision.
- Digital integration: We leverage advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, security, and passenger experience. This includes smart systems for check-in, security, and baggage handling.
- Sustainability: Our designs utilize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, emphasizing sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and green building certifications to minimize environmental impact and set a standard for future airport operations.
- Human-centric design: Our goal is to design spaces that enhance the passenger experience through intuitive layouts for easy navigation, comfortable waiting areas, and diverse amenities, while incorporating stakeholder input and user research to meet travelers’ expectations and preferences.
These key messages highlight our commitment to prioritizing digital integration, sustainability, and human-centered design in airport planning and design for the terminals of the future.
How important is the Asia-Pacific region for AECOM? Are there any current or upcoming airport projects in the region that you would like to highlight?
The Asia-Pacific region is a vital market for AECOM, reflecting our extensive expertise and strong presence in the area. From Changi Airport to Melbourne Airport, we are actively delivering impactful projects. In Melbourne, our work includes expanding Virgin Domestic Arrivals and Reclaim in T3, upgrading baggage screening systems, and redeveloping the Arrivals Duty-Free retail space, showcasing our commitment to enhancing airport functionality and the passenger experience in this dynamic region.
Finally, how much are you looking forward to participating in FTE APEX Asia Expo? And how important are events such as this in terms of sharing experiences and networking with like-minded innovators?
I’m incredibly excited to participate in FTE Asia. This event presents a unique opportunity to connect with visionary thinkers and share insights that can drive the aviation industry forward. Events like FTE Asia are vital for fostering collaboration, sparking innovative ideas, and cultivating meaningful connections with fellow innovators who share our passion and vision. Engaging in these conversations not only inspires us but also strengthens our collective commitment to shaping the future of aviation.
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