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Yesterday's Happenings

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Keynote Session with Dr. Travis Bradberry

WHAT’S YOUR EQ?
You may know your IQ, but do you know your EQ? Dr. Travis Bradberry, the pioneer behind the ‘emotional intelligence’ (EQ) metric, says that maintaining a high EQ can help people both personally and professionally and is a better indicator of life successes. 

In his engaging and eye-opening keynote address on Monday, Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and co-founder of TalentSmart, defined emotional intelligence for ACI-NA members and explained its importance. 

In non-clinical terms, emotional intelligence is the interaction between emotion and reason. For some, the pathway between these two areas of the brain is a superhighway with no obstacles. For others, it’s a rutted, bumpy road. But there’s hope. By mastering four core skills, according to Bradberry, people can harness their emotions and channel behaviors appropriately.
 
1) self-awareness (recognize behavior to change)
2) self-management (channel the behavior wanted)
3) social awareness (read and respond to others by focusing on them)
4) relationship management (mastering the first three) 

The business implications of possessing a strong EQ are significant. Sixty percent of job performance is impacted by EQ. In addition, a staggering 90 percent of top performers are high in emotional intelligence. Therefore, recognizing and promoting an individual with a strong EQ will further strengthen one’s core team and continue to build a strong company culture. The key, says Bradberry, is practice. The skills need to be habitual in order to be developed. Lean into the discomfort and practice the behavior. 

ACI-NA President and CEO Outlines State of the Industry

During his annual State of the Industry Address, ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin Burke outlined a new vision for airports based on enhanced collaboration between U.S. and Canadian airports and continued advocacy to advance airport priorities. Read his remarks here >>

 10 North American Airports Achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation
Ten North American airports achieved certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation since ACI-NA joined the program in 2014 and were recognized for their achievements during a ceremony at the 2015 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition.  Airport Carbon Accreditation recognizes airport efforts to manage and reduce their CO2 emissions through independent assessment and verification.  "As North American airport participation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows, ACI-NA applauds the significant steps airports are taking to be leaders in environmental stewardship," said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke.  "I applaud these early adopters who have committed to lowering their carbon footprints and becoming better partners in the global aviation system.  By achieving the ambitious goals of Airport Carbon accreditation, these airports are setting our industry on a path toward continued success in innovation and sustainability." Read more >>

Thinking Beyond Traditional Air Service

The last eight years have been difficult for many airport communities in retaining existing air services as airlines consolidated, exercised capacity discipline and changed aircraft types. Therefore, it seems appropriate that the ACI-NA Conference would kick off Monday morning with an educational session covering some new options for airport directors to consider. 

Surf Air, a membership-based airline, sells no tickets. Instead, they sell memberships, and with these, travelers can fly unlimited on a private aircraft to and from airports served in California. According to Mac Kern, vice president of commercial planning, Surf Air, members have access to a proprietary booking system and a private terminal building. While this model is geared toward the business professional and flies mainly between Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, the company is diversifying destinations for its members and also has a few high-end leisure destinations. While currently serving only California, the company is looking to expand outside the state soon. 

Christina Cassotis, CEO, Allegheny County Airport Authority, is no stranger to wrangling with challenges as an airport professional. In her position, she oversees Pittsburgh International Airport and is successfully leading a transition from a mega-connected hub to an O&D facility. The airport needed to position itself so rates and charges were competitive, and that required outside-the-box thinking.  Her first task was to create a cohesive staff consisting of team players who understand why the airport considers air service such a high priority and how each of them contribute to the overall success. According to Cassotis, all 400 employees, no matter their title or job, are brand ambassadors to the larger community around the airport. When everyone understands what the airport is doing and why, it’s more effective.

OneJet is one of Pittsburgh’s partners. They provide nonstop flights to regional smaller volume markets. Matt Maguire, president and CEO, says there is a tremendous opportunity out there to do this. The airline sells tickets through regular channels and operates from main terminals. Passengers enter through normal gates and arrive at a full check-in lobby. For airports like Pittsburgh interested in this type of service it’s important to note that the fee structure needs to be flexible for a seven-seat aircraft. 

Rise of the Drones - What Do Unmanned Aircraft Systems Mean to You?
With over 1 million drones expected to be sold this holiday season, airports must accept that drones are here to stay. Drone use varies from professional endeavors to extreme hobbyists. So how does the industry regulate them? Aviation leaders met on Monday at the 2015 Annual Conference and Exhibition to discuss the next steps regarding small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The leaders agreed that U.S. and Canadian airports must be active in working to ensure that rules and safety initiatives are adopted and enforced to eliminate the risks associated with drones. 

Taking Flight: The Latest from the Aircraft Manufacturers
It was standing room only for the session from Airbus and Boeing yesterday, when representatives unveiled the latest products in progress. Daniel Cohen-Nir, senior airport director, programs and environment affairs, Airbus Americas discussed the company’s A320 family. The demand for these aircraft was so high in the North American market the company recently opened a production facility in Mobile, Alabama to help fulfillment. The first aircraft will be completed in nine months and delivered to JetBlue. The A320neo (new engine option) is the latest innovation by Airbus and will be 20 percent more efficient than the 320 that’s currently being delivered.

Karen Dix-Colony, lead engineer, Boeing Airport Compatibility Engineering, discussed Boeing’s 777 program which includes the 777-9x and 777-8x. Dix-Colony and her team have been meeting with airport regulators since 2012 to discuss airport compatibility for the 777x in order to assist airports with their design decisions. The 777-9X will have an all new composite wing, with a new system of a folded wing tip. 

Both panelists acknowledged that planes are not getting smaller. According to Cohen-Nir, the number of flights may be decreasing but passenger capacity is increasing. Airports should prepare.
 

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