The best approach I have seen is a change with the touch of involved parties customer including passengers, in the touch with the human touch such a change help all and embraced by all and the gain is high for all

In my experience, the most challenging task often yields the greatest results. For a comprehensive approach, it's crucial to involve all parties at every level. Prioritizing one group over another risks hindering progress. Dismissing anyone means losing out on valuable knowledge for the project. By involving everyone and addressing issues before construction and implementation, success is likely and expected, with everyone feeling ownership over the solution.

I feel by exploring novel technologies and unconventional solutions to address long-standing issues could embrace change in the solving process of the complex and operational issues.

Complex operational challenges can be conquered with creative thinking. Here's how airport managers can break the mold: Challenge Assumptions: Don't just accept the status quo. Question traditional approaches and explore unconventional solutions, like utilizing alternative spaces for passenger screening or baggage claim. Embrace Collaboration: Think beyond airport walls. Partner with airlines, ground handlers, and even local businesses to brainstorm solutions that benefit the entire ecosystem. Embrace Technology: Explore innovative technologies like AI-powered traffic flow management or chatbots for enhanced passenger experiences. Embrace Experimentation: Pilot small-scale, creative solutions to test their effectiveness

Passengers' total convenience must be placed at the heart of any airport project, for they are the industry's ultimate boss, rather than its customers. It is not the airport owner. It is not the airlines. It is the passengers who are everyone's true boss. All too often we see the cart being put before the horse. If you present passengers with poor service and long waiting times and queues, to name but a few nuisances, the whole business is at risk. Luring them with top-notch service and products, rather than forcing them to walk through the duty-free area to reach their gates, is the way to go.

Harnessing the collective intelligence and creativity of our team members is key to solving complex operational challenges. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, we can tap into a wealth of diverse perspectives and ideas. Each team member brings unique insights and expertise to the table, enabling us to develop holistic solutions that address multifaceted issues effectively.

Our teams are our eyes and ears on the ground. All teams, whether our own or from outsourced services, are important and we must always encourage them to share their perceptions about the operational challenges they face on a daily basis. One idea would be to have short periods of time between operations to hold meetings. They may come up with innovative ideas to streamline the various processes they work on. By fostering open dialogue and a collaborative culture, you create fertile ground for turnkey solutions that can revolutionize the way your airport works. Employee participation creates an environment of respect and responsibility for the routine work being done.

By harnessing the collective intelligence and expertise of team members, an airport manager can enhance efficiency, optimize performance, and deliver a superior experience for passengers and stakeholders alike.

Valuing team input is essential for addressing complex challenges as an airport manager. Actively seek input from employees at all levels, as they often have valuable insights and innovative ideas. For instance, organize brainstorming sessions or suggestion boxes to encourage creative thinking and collaboration. By involving the team in problem-solving processes, you can leverage diverse perspectives and expertise to develop more effective and sustainable solutions. This fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among employees, leading to increased engagement and motivation to overcome challenges together.

Presenting your company as “family” does a couple things. 1. When an employee grasps their assigned duties as being highly important in order for the company to function properly (manager, technician, janitor, secretary, etc.), this is very enlightening. 2. That employee will begin to see the company as their own company. Such “ownership” motivates the employee to do their very best as a team member - seeing themselves as highly valued, but having a different duty than some of their peers. Ownership in the mind and heart of an employee is priceless.

Leveraging cutting-edge technologies enables us to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve the passenger experience. From implementing advanced analytics for predictive maintenance to deploying biometric identification systems for seamless security checks, embracing technology empowers us to optimize every aspect of airport management and stay at the forefront of innovation.

Technology offers a plethora of tools and solutions that can significantly assist airport managers in addressing operational challenges for airlines and the airport community. Technology empowers airport managers to tackle operational challenges proactively, improve efficiency, enhance safety, and elevate the passenger experience for airlines and the entire airport community. By embracing innovative solutions and leveraging the power of technology, managers can navigate complexities effectively and drive sustainable growth in the aviation industry.

Harnessing technical leverage is crucial for addressing complex challenges as an airport manager. Explore cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to optimize operations and enhance efficiency. For example, leverage artificial intelligence and data analytics to predict passenger flow patterns and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, consider implementing blockchain technology for secure and transparent management of airport transactions and records. By embracing technological advancements, airports can stay ahead of the curve and effectively navigate complex challenges, ensuring smoother operations and improved passenger experiences.

Day dreaming may be your companies most valuable asset - as long as it’s focused on your business. Dreaming of what may be, could be, should be, or will be produces efficiencies, changes, visions, and hopes for what can be. Using existing technologies often inspires users to “dream” of what the next step could be. When technology is available that’s helpful to you, keep dreaming of how “the next step” will be even more valuable to your business future. Share these dreams with your colleagues and soon your initial inspiration will spread to others and produce tweaks, alterations, and/or changes that may be greatly beneficial to your company. Incidentally, someone will create the next important technology. It could easily be you.

If you can use AI to solve a problem, do it. Basic studies of the capabilities of AI will soon be standard training for all employees at a company to drastically improve efficiency. I save hours every week by using AI even in the most simple way. Budgeting, calculations, design ideas… you name it.

Implement small-scale pilot projects to test out new ideas and approaches. This allows for experimentation with minimal risk and provides valuable insights for scaling up successful initiatives.

Strategic risk-taking is essential for driving progress and achieving breakthroughs in airport management. By carefully assessing potential risks and rewards, we can identify opportunities for innovation and growth. Whether it's investing in new infrastructure projects or adopting disruptive technologies, calculated risks enable us to push boundaries and drive positive change in the industry.

Risk-taking can be a strategic approach for airport managers to address operational issues within the airline or for the airport community on the whole. While risk-taking inherently involves uncertainty and potential downside, it also presents opportunities for significant rewards and breakthroughs. By adopting a balanced approach that combines thoughtful analysis with bold action, airport managers can harness the power of risk-taking to drive innovation, foster resilience, and solve operational problems for the benefit of the airline and airport community.

Taking calculated risks is essential for addressing complex challenges as an airport manager. While it's important to prioritize safety and security, sometimes stepping outside of the comfort zone is necessary for innovation and growth. For example, consider testing new revenue streams, such as offering exclusive airport experiences or partnering with unconventional vendors. Additionally, be open to piloting new technologies or processes that have the potential to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. By embracing calculated risks, airports can adapt to changing market dynamics and stay competitive in the long run.

While presenting a bit of entertainment at a senior convention, I came across an article in a Readers Digest magazine regarding risk. A survey was taken over a long period of time asking retirees what they would change if they could repeat their working years. The topic which came in as a huge first place winner was: I would take more risk! Without a doubt, risk is risky. However, calculated, informed, researched, logical, wise risk is usually worth “the risk.” Leaders can lead. Or, leaders can be frozen by being risk averse. Wise risk involves doing your homework. Sharing with trusted allies. Being prepared to produce logical reasons for taking risk if you fail. And if you fail, try again, and again, and again.

In the fast-paced world of airport management, continuous learning is imperative for staying relevant and effective. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional development, we can equip ourselves and our team members with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities for improvement. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning ensures that we remain agile and adaptable in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Trainings and learning are essential for airport managers and their teams to mitigate operational issues effectively. By investing in the professional development of staff, airport Managers can build a resilient workforce capable of navigating challenges and driving sustained success in a rapidly evolving industry. Learnings both by training and by experience ensures adaptability to industry changes, enhancing skills and competencies, promoting risk management and crisis preparedness, fostering innovation and problem-solving, and strengthening team cohesion and collaboration.

Tennessee Williams once said: “Everybody is dumb about something.” It’s true. We can’t know everything. We can’t even know everything about what we think we know everything about. It’s just not possible. So, how do we face our world? We learn anytime it’s possible. Go to conferences, conventions, seminars, take specific classes, talk to people you consider experts in your field, and focus on remembering what you’re taught. Volunteer to speak on a topic in which you’re not confident. This makes you prepare, prepare, prepare. There’s a real probability you’ll get embarrassed by someone in the audience. However, you’ll be prepared the next time. Public speaking is a teach, teach, learn, learn process. Go for it.

Consider the interconnectedness of different operational aspects and seek holistic solutions. Emphasize continuous improvement encourage a culture of learning and innovation to drive ongoing enhancements.

In the area of small municipal airports, there is often too many people that think small, when in reality, thinking big and working backwards to get the path to that success is what should be occurring. Create a “yes” environment with your airport leadership that allows adaptation and change easily, you will find that even if your biggest plans do not come to fruition, you will get most of the way there and be very successful.

Il est souvent nécessaire de "prendre de la hauteur" pour avoir une vision moyen / long terme et plus stratégique pour l'aéroport, au delà de répondre aux besoins immédiats opérationnels (des passagers, des compagnies, des assistants ...) Pour cela, il peut être intéressant de se couper pendant un petit moment de l'exploitation quotidienne pour échanger à plusieurs sur la stratégie et les grandes orientations que l'on souhaite donner à la plateforme. Des évènements exceptionnels sont souvent à l'origine de tels changements (le 11 septembre, crise du COVID par exemple), mais il faut faire ce travail de façon plus régulière et anticipée.

In addition to the aforementioned strategies, it's crucial for airport managers to prioritize stakeholder engagement, foster strategic partnerships, and uphold a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. By considering the broader impact of our decisions and actions, we can create airports that not only excel in operational efficiency but also contribute positively to the communities they serve.

In addition to these above points ,it's crucial for airport manager when facing a complex challenge,to adopt an inclusive management,value every staff member's' ideas ,collect them .So for sure he will get at the end of the best solution to deal with such unconventional problem. But the most important is after the success,he should be grateful to his staff . A "Thanks you " seemingly a tiny word could carry a positive impact on the staff members .It encourages them to go beyond their limits, giving their best for futur upcoming complex challenge.