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Don’t be left at the gate: A practical guide to AI adoption for airports
Journal of Airport Management,
19
(1),
6-14
(2024)
Abstract
Modern airports face increasing challenges due to the growing number of passengers and evolving security threats. The successful operation of an airport requires a delicate balance between efficiency, security and passenger satisfaction. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers the potential to revolutionise airport operations by improving passenger experience, enhancing security and optimising efficiency. Implementing AI presents challenges, however, including the need for a strong data foundation and a focused approach. Organisations should avoid trying to do too much at once and focus on specific AI applications. Building a data-driven culture and investing in data teams and chief data officers (CDOs) are essential for successful AI adoption. By addressing these challenges and embracing AI, airports can create a more efficient, secure and passenger-friendly environment.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; AI; data-driven decision making; passenger experience; future airports; airport technology; airport management
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Chris Crist is the Senior Deputy General Manager and Chief Information Officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He is responsible for all aspects of the airport’s technology including cyber security, network operations, software applications, innovation and project management. Chris has nearly two decades of experience leading technology teams in transport, healthcare and the military. He led critical IT initiatives for national security in the US Air Force. He has also served as Chief Information Officer for multiple regional civilian hospital systems, leading advancements in healthcare technology. As the Chief of Enterprise Transformation for the United States Transportation Command (USTC), Chris provided strategic guidance on cloud architecture, DevSecOps (development, security and operations), agile practices, data management and cyber security for a global workforce of 138,000 employees within a US$540m portfolio. Under Chris’s leadership, 220 critical mission systems underwent a comprehensive modernisation initiative, with many successfully achieving global cloud migration across multiple service providers and platforms. Chris has served for over 18 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, contributing to the nation’s defence. He has attained more than ten IT certifications, a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology and an MBA in information technology management from Western Governors University. He also holds a Doctor of Education degree in leadership from Vanderbilt University.
