AviationPros Podcast

In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, host Joe Petrie speaks with Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the U.S. Travel Association. Hansen discusses how ASTMEC will shape U.S. preparations for an influx of 30 million international visitors, the urgent need for visa modernization and airport upgrades, and the lasting legacy these investments could create for America’s travel system well beyond 2028.

Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier talks with Peter Moeckel, founder of Frontier Audio Labs, and Head of Sales Sam Grabon, about how the company is incorporating the latest technology to improve communication and safety for frontline workers in aviation.

In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Airport Business Editor Joe Petrie speaks with Jason Middleton, CEO of Silver Air Private Jets and soon-to-be member of NBAA’s Regulatory Committee.

The race to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) to market just hit a new gear. In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie speaks with Jennifer Trock, Partner at Morgan Lewis, about the groundbreaking roadmap released by the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) Network—a multinational effort by the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to harmonize certification of piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous AAM aircraft. Trock explains the significance of this document from a legal and regulatory perspective, including its performance-based certification model, crawl-walk-run deployment strategy, and impact on global market access for eVTOL manufacturers. She also shares key milestones, infrastructure implications, and the biggest hurdles to watch as the roadmap moves from concept to implementation. Whether you’re an airport executive, OEM, FBO operator, or policymaker, this episode offers critical insights into the real-world rollout of AAM and what comes next.

Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier talks with Gary Nunley, CEO of Departures Aviation, about how the company is incorporating the latest technology in its employee training. The Philadelphia-based cabin cleaning firm believes an empowered workforce is best able to provide the highest quality customer service, thereby ensuring greater success and expansion for the company.

In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Chandler, Associate Dean of Executive Programs at the University of Colorado Denver, to discuss the world’s first Executive MBA designed specifically for the aviation ecosystem. Developed in partnership with Denver International Airport, this 18-month hybrid program is redefining leadership education for mid-career professionals across airports, airlines, infrastructure, and beyond.

How can smart signage, indoor navigation, and location-based alerts turn traveler frustration into revenue growth? Andrew Dallmann from Acuity’s Spatial Intelligence group shares how airports like DFW and Heathrow are tackling the most persistent traveler complaints with tech that enhances passenger flow, supports overextended staff, and increases concession sales.

In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast by Airport Business, we speak with Michael Shea, Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Airport Authority, about how Bradley International Airport is navigating growth and modernization with financial discipline. From securing over $186 million in federal grants to expanding terminal facilities and launching new accessibility programs, Shea details the funding strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and forward-looking tech investments driving Bradley's momentum. He also shares how the airport is preparing for long-haul international routes, managing FAA controller shortages, and leveraging amenities and sustainability initiatives to boost passenger satisfaction and non-aeronautical revenue. Whether you're managing a regional airport or planning large-scale capital improvements, this episode offers insight into practical innovation in the aviation industry.

In this episode of AviationPros Podcast, Chris Gwilliam, SVP of Global Business Development at Airport Dimensions, breaks down findings from the new Airport Experience 2025 (AX25) report. With 66% of travelers saying airports are more crowded than two years ago, the episode explores how terminals can adapt by optimizing underused space, introducing premium services like lounges and fast track, and building seamless digital experiences. You’ll learn how affluent leisure travelers are reshaping airport strategies, why pop-up lounges and local retail matter more than ever, and how digital tools like dynamic pricing and unified apps can drive both satisfaction and spend. You can read the entire AX2025 report here: https://airportdimensions.com/news-and-insights/ax25

In this episode of The AviationPros Podcast host Joe Petrie sits down with Bryant Francis, Director of Port Control for the City of Cleveland, to explore CLEvolution — the bold, $1.6 billion modernization campaign at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. As CLE marks its 100th anniversary, Francis shares how the airport is evolving to meet the needs of today’s travelers, attract local business engagement, and compete with peer airports across the Midwest. From sustainability and design to operational phasing and economic impact, this conversation delivers powerful insights for aviation leaders shaping the future of infrastructure.

In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Airport Business Editor Joe Petrie speaks with Jeff Kloska, director of Colorado Air and Space Port, about the facility’s evolution from a regional general aviation hub to a nationally designated airport and emerging aerospace ecosystem. Kloska shares insights on infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and long-term vision for supporting both aviation and commercial spaceflight. With over 126,000 operations and 500 based aircraft, the port is preparing to anchor Colorado’s innovation economy for decades to come.

Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier speaks with Grupo Eulen COO John Jones about the company's plans for growth using a proactive strategy of competitive bidding, as well as the latest tech and training to increase employee retention.

Ground Support Worldwide recognizes the high-caliber individuals and forward-thinking companies making a difference in the ground support industry with its annual Leaders of the Year awards program. Nominate a worthy candidate for Ground Support Worldwide’s Leaders of the Year program in one of four specific categories by Friday, April 25, 2025 by clicking here.

Sacramento County Department of Airports Director Cindy Nichol talks with Airport Business Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie about the latest updates on infrastructure investments and how they're seeing success growing air traffic into their system.

ACI-NA President Kevin Burke discusses the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on airports and the progress of improvement projects.

Fulton County Director of Public Works David Clark talks with Joe Petrie about major improvements at Fulton County Executive Airport and how they're preparing to serve an influx of travelers for the 2026 World Cup.

Delaware North Travel COO Robert Thormeier discusses the current state of airport concessions and how technology and changing traveler preferences are recreating the way airports are serving the public.

Boingo Vice President of Engineering Bill Marino discusses wi-fi needs in airports and how network connectivity can deliver next-generation in technology to airport operations.

Go Rentals Co-Founder and CEO Kaye Gitibin talks with Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie about how new technology like AI will transform private aviation car service while reflecting on the company's 30 years of success.

Airports Council International World Director General Justin Erbacci talks with Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie about the organization's future, challenges facing the airport industry and how technology is going to reshape how the world travels in the near future. Erbacci joined ACI in his current role in September 2024. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer – Airports at NEOM in Saudi Arabia and as Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). He also excelled as Chief Operating Officer, Chief IT and Commercial Strategy Officer and Chief IT and Innovation Officer at LAWA. Prior to his tenure at LAWA, Erbacci was Vice President of Customer Experience and Technology at the airline alliance Star Alliance Services GmbH. His ability to drive innovation and leverage technology was developed during his IT leadership roles at major global companies such as Credit Suisse and United Airlines. Earlier, he gained experience at management consultancies including Cambridge Management Consultants and Deloitte and Touche. Erbacci also practiced law as a civil rights defense litigator.