Innovative approaches in airport development: A conversation with Alan Dadian
As airports across the globe accelerate modernisation efforts, innovation is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. At AECOM, we continue to redefine airport development by leveraging digital tools and data-driven strategies that set new standards for efficiency, sustainability and stakeholder engagement.
To explore how these innovations are shaping the future of aviation, I sat down with Alan Dadian, Program Director – Airfield Civil, to discuss how we’re helping clients deliver smarter, more resilient airport infrastructure.
Duncan Price: Alan, you have an extensive track record navigating the lifecycle of aviation projects. With the growing integration of technology and data, how is AECOM leveraging innovation to enhance airport operations and development?
Alan Dadian: Thanks, Duncan. In the past, fragmented data often led to inefficiencies and challenges in tracking progress or maintenance. We’re bridging those gaps by using dynamic models and digital twins. At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), for example, we helped DFW develop a dynamic model to visually track construction impacts on operations. It allows stakeholders to see project phases, descriptions and real-time operational effects in an intuitive way.
The airport has expanded this concept further, applying it to airfield operations in ongoing construction programs, giving their teams actionable insights and enhanced visibility.
Duncan Price: I’ve seen that tool in action at DFW. It’s a powerful stakeholder engagement tool that must rely on a lot of data. Can you elaborate on the role of data in our program delivery?
Alan Dadian: Absolutely. Data is fundamental to extending asset life cycles and optimising maintenance. At DFW, dashboards housed in digital towers track project metrics – schedules, costs, RFIs (Requests for Information) and more. This centralised data environment supports timely, informed decisions, keeping operations efficient and aligned with long-term goals.
Duncan Price: Operational efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for the aviation sector in Australia and New Zealand. How do innovative data systems support these priorities?
Alan Dadian: Let me give you one example of each.
For efficiency, we utilise a single source of truth accessible to all stakeholders. This has shortened decision-making timelines and improved risk management throughout the project lifecycle. During design, everyone collaborates through shared constructability reviews, phasing plans and engineering reports. In construction, executive dashboards track everything, from RFIs and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) compliance, to safety, cost, and schedule, ensuring a smooth transition into operations, with BIM and as-built documentation all in one place.
For sustainability, we’ve implemented a centralised data system to support a large-scale recycling initiative. It reintegrates reclaimed concrete and asphalt from active projects into ongoing construction efforts. By tracking these material flows in real time, we can accurately forecast demand and minimise waste, ensuring that recycled resources are allocated where they’re needed most.
Duncan Price: That’s impressive. Can you share an example of a notable data-driven achievement from this project?
Alan Dadian: A standout moment was reopening a runway at DFW five days ahead of schedule. This was made possible by tightly coordinated data tracking. It was a win across the board, helping American Airlines and others reduce passenger delays by returning a major departure runway to full operation earlier than expected. That’s the power of digital tools: better outcomes for airports, airlines and travelers alike.
Duncan Price: A great result. How does AECOM foster collaboration among such a diverse group of stakeholders?
Alan Dadian: It starts with alignment in the design phase, making sure that Program and Construction Management teams, airport operators, air traffic control, and airlines are engaged and coordinated. We focus on meeting the owner’s expectations for both cost and schedule early on.
During construction, we emphasise transparency through digital models and cloud-based systems. Everyone from contractors to airport staff can access the same real-time data, promoting unified decision-making. Our dynamic model also supports this, allowing stakeholders to click into any project phase and see how it affects operations. It’s a highly effective tool for alignment.
Duncan Price: Last question… how can delivery partners support airports in making more connected, insight-driven decisions?
Alan Dadian: Delivery partners are essential in translating strategy into execution. During design, they ensure solutions meet the client’s goals and stay within constraints. By integrating data across the project lifecycle – from planning to construction – they help maintain continuity and transparency.
Our dynamic models and digital dashboards allow our partners and clients to visualise project impacts, understand risks, and make smarter, faster decisions. When everyone is working from the same data, the results speak for themselves.