PIT exclusive: FTE World Innovation Summit attendees to experience guided tours of landmark new terminal ahead of opening – read our full preview

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

FTE World Innovation Summit attendees will receive an exclusive first-look at Pittsburgh International Airport’s landmark new terminal through guided tours and in-depth conference sessions. Read our full preview.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – host of the FTE World Innovation Summit, taking place on 13-15 May 2025 – is transforming travel with an ambitious, airport-wide modernisation. The centrepiece of these efforts is the pioneering new terminal program, with the brand-new facility – opening this year – designed to deliver a more intuitive, cohesive and carefully crafted passenger journey from curb to gate. FTE World Innovation Summit attendees will receive an exclusive first-look at the landmark new terminal through guided tours and in-depth conference sessions. In this deep-dive article, key PIT executives who will deliver specialist briefings at the event share what to expect in this exclusive terminal opening showcase. See the FTE World Innovation Summit agenda >> Register for the FTE World Innovation Summit >>

Design, Construction, Sustainability, Delivery & ORAT exclusive guided tour – a showcase of impressive sustainability and architectural features

The ‘Design, Construction, Sustainability, Delivery & ORAT’ exclusive guided tour will be led by Paul Hoback, Chief Development Officer, Allegheny County Airport Authority and Chad Willis, Director, Planning, Environmental, & Sustainability, Allegheny County Airport Authority.

This tour will showcase the new terminal’s impressive sustainability and architectural features. “Visitors would learn about energy-efficient systems like LED lighting and smart HVAC, and learn about the use of sustainable, recycled, and locally sourced materials,” Willis explains. “The terminal’s striking design, with its sweeping, open spaces and vast glass walls, maximises natural light, enhancing both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Visitors will also see the innovative, curvilinear architecture that creates a sense of openness and flow throughout the space. The tour will cover water conservation efforts such as low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting, and highlight waste-reduction strategies including composting and recycling programs.” Additionally, the new terminal promotes sustainable transportation with electric vehicle charging stations and bike racks, while environmentally-conscious landscaping and advanced stormwater management systems are on display. “Designed with resilience in mind, the terminal incorporates features to withstand all weather and pandemic threats as the first airport terminal designed and built in a post-pandemic world,” Willis adds.

Hear more from Paul Hoback, Chief Development Officer, Allegheny County Airport Authority and Chad Willis, Director, Planning, Environmental, & Sustainability, Allegheny County Airport Authority, in two compelling conference sessions at the FTE World Innovation Summit. Paul Hoback will deliver a scene-setting presentation a ‘PIT Transformation Deep Dive’ session focused on ‘Design, Construction, Delivery & ORAT’. Meanwhile, Chad Willis is participating in an Energy & Sustainability Conference Session focused on ‘What are the best approaches to scaling the use of SAF, Electric & Hydrogen across air transport?’ Willis will share an Opening Case Study alongside Monica Normark, Global Director Biofuels Technology, KBR & Vishal Shah, CEO, Avina, titled ‘Pittsburgh International Airport became the first airport in the world to be completely powered by natural gas and solar energy when it went live with its microgrid in 2021, and now it’s working to become the first major U.S. airport to produce sustainable aviation fuel on-site, so how is it going about it and what can the industry learn from those efforts so far?’ See the FTE World Innovation Summit agenda >> Register for the FTE World Innovation Summit >>

Technology & Operations exclusive guided tour – how PIT is not just embracing digital transformation, but also business transformation

The ‘Technology & Operations’ exclusive guided tour will be led by Deepak Nayyar, EVP – CIO, Allegheny County Airport Authority and Travis McNichols, Chief Operations Officer, Allegheny County Airport Authority.

On this tour, attendees will experience how Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is not just embracing digital transformation, but also business transformation through its pioneering new terminal. “It is about evolving processes, technology, and services to deliver a better experience for passengers and all stakeholders,” Nayyar shares. “Such a transformation allows for both a seamless passenger and operational experience in the airport and a seamless integration of our systems and services.”

Indeed, PIT is improving operational efficiency with exciting new business and technological innovation. “Smart digital investments demonstrate a unique business case for us,” Nayyar explains. “We are undergoing transformation internally and digital tools are enabling new thinking as it relates to parking, wayfinding, advertising with interactive displays, improved cybersecurity monitoring, network segmentation, predictive maintenance, etc. Digital transformation enhances operational efficiency and improves safety and security measures, real-time data analysis enables better decision-making and enhances the overall stakeholder experience, and predictive maintenance facilitates cost-reduction and increased life and durability of our assets.”

Hear more from Deepak Nayyar, EVP – CIO, Allegheny County Airport Authority and Travis McNichols, Chief Operations Officer, Allegheny County Airport Authority, in a series of compelling conference sessions at the FTE World Innovation Summit. Deepak Nayyar is participating in two sessions – a ‘PIT Transformation Deep Dive’ session focused on ‘Technology & Innovation’, and the ‘FTE Cybersecurity Symposium’. Meanwhile, Travis McNichols will deliver a scene-setting presentation in a session focused on ‘Smart Airport Operations & Passenger Journeys’. See the FTE World Innovation Summit agenda >> Register for the FTE World Innovation Summit >>

Service Design & Commercial exclusive guided tour – a first-hand look at how thoughtful design and local culture can transform the airport experience

The ‘Service Design & Commercial’ exclusive guided tour will be led by Siri Betts-Sonstegard, SVP Experience & Design, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Bryan Dietz, SVP Air Service and Commercial Development, Allegheny County Airport Authority.

This tour will showcase how PIT is building on a strong foundation as a leader in airport accessibility to shape a more inclusive, intuitive, and passenger-first experience. “Attendees will see how our guiding principles for ‘Universal Access’ have informed everything from architectural design to service delivery, resulting in outdoor terraces, accessible-height ticket counters, increased seating, rest options, and inclusive amenities like nursing rooms and adult changing tables in each concourse,” Betts-Sonstegard explains. “You’ll also see our new ‘Welcome Hub’ area, redesigned wayfinding systems, and the ‘We Got You’ program. This service innovation helps passengers navigate unexpected events with greater ease and empathy.”

Another highlight will be a showcase of the ‘PIT Arts & Culture’ program – a core component of the new terminal’s design. “Since 2019, we’ve received over $1.5 million in local foundation support, enabling us to feature over 30 installations from 15 new artists, with 80% of the works by local creators,” Betts-Sonstegard shares. “Selected national artists have drawn inspiration from Pittsburgh’s unique intersection of nature, technology, and community to help bring our region’s spirit to life throughout the space. We look forward to offering a first-hand look at how thoughtful design and local culture can transform the airport experience.”

Hear more from Bryan Dietz, SVP Air Service and Commercial Development, Allegheny County Airport Authority, at the FTE World Innovation Summit, where he will deliver a scene-setting presentation in a ‘PIT Transformation Deep Dive’ session focused on ‘Commercial Offering’. See the FTE World Innovation Summit agenda >> Register for the FTE World Innovation Summit >>

Exclusive tour of the new PIT baggage system for FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group members

Members of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group will convene for a series of activities alongside the FTE World Innovation Summit. This includes an exclusive tour of Pittsburgh International Airport’s (PIT) new baggage system, which opens this year as part of the Terminal Modernization Program, led by Rusty Hottenfeller, Director of Facilities and Airline Services, Allegheny County Airport Authority. There will also be a live demonstration of the Journey Robotics compact autonomous robotic solution for unloading bags at a live carousel in PIT’s baggage system. Journey Robotics is currently testing its ‘Baggage Handler’ platform in a real-world environment within PIT’s xBridge program. Learn more about the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group >>

Innovation tours across Pittsburgh focused on Advanced Technology, Energy & Sustainability, and more

The FTE World Innovation Summit will also offer attendees a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of the most pioneering companies headquartered in Pittsburgh. The ‘Advanced Technology Innovation Tours’ will provide the opportunity to explore Pittsburgh’s vibrant robotics, AI and advanced manufacturing ecosystem with behind-the-scenes access to local companies at the forefront of global innovation including Gecko Robotics, Robotics Factory plus a visit to the GHC High Bay & Mission Control, and the Biometrics Center at Carnegie Mellon University.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s energy legacy – once rooted in fossil fuels – is now at the forefront of innovation, blending traditional resources with cutting-edge renewable technologies. On the ‘Energy & Sustainability Innovation Tours’, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy behind-the-scenes access to local companies at the forefront of global innovation in the energy and sustainability realm across Pittsburgh by visiting the Energy Innovation Center and H-Quest.

Time is running out! With less than 3 weeks to go, now is the time to lock in your spot at the FTE World Innovation Summit (Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025) – the can’t-miss event for air transport industry leaders. FREE for airlines and airports, this powerhouse three-day experience brings together 400+ top innovators for cutting-edge conference sessions, immersive workshops, and exclusive tours of Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal and innovation hotspots across the city. The speaker lineup? Unmatched. Hear from visionaries at BA, Alaska Airlines, PIT, CMU, Astrobotic, LHR, Boston Dynamics, AMS, SkyTeam, YEG, KLM, YYZ, Frontier, and dozens more shaping the future of air travel. And we’re taking networking to the next level with our epic reception at Cinderlands Warehouse, one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic craft breweries. Don’t get left behind – register now and be part of the revolution. See the FTE World Innovation Summit agenda >> Register for the FTE World Innovation Summit >>

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PIT exclusive: FTE World Innovation Summit attendees to experience guided tours of landmark new terminal ahead of opening – read our full preview