Exclusive Interview with Yvonne Bilshausen at FTE Asia Summit

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, AECOM stands at the forefront of innovation in airport design and infrastructure. The company is a Gold Sponsor of the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Asia 2025 event, taking place at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. In an exclusive interview, Yvonne Bilshausen, AECOM’s Global Head of Aviation Architecture and Engineering, discusses the significant trends and strategies that define modern airport development.

AECOM’s Commitment to Sustainable Airport Design

AECOM approaches airport design as an integral part of the broader air transport ecosystem. The company aims to create environments that connect cities and enhance passenger experiences while ensuring sustainability and efficiency.

• Holistic Development: AECOM provides comprehensive services, from terminal and airfield planning to engineering and program management.
• Local Insights: By blending global expertise with local perspectives, AECOM designs solutions that meet evolving operational needs.

Gold Sponsorship at FTE Asia 2025

The decision to sponsor APEX FTE Asia Expo reflects AECOM’s commitment to advancing aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. This event serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and showcasing innovations in airport design.

• Showcasing Projects: AECOM aims to highlight ongoing initiatives at major airports like Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
• Fostering Connections: The expo provides opportunities to engage with industry leaders and explore best practices.

Innovative Approaches to Expand Airport Operations

Bilshausen will present insights on innovative airport expansion methods that enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences. Key topics will include:

• Modular Construction: Utilizing modular strategies for efficient airport design and upgrades.
• Sustainability Strategies: Implementing localized efforts to achieve environmental goals.

Integrating Sustainability and Technology

Sustainability is integral to AECOM’s design philosophy. The company embeds sustainable practices from project inception, including:

• Net-Zero Energy: Using electrified fleets and on-site renewables.
• Circular Construction: Employing low-carbon materials and modular reuse systems.
• Climate Resilience: Planning for extreme weather events and environmental challenges.

Digital technologies play a vital role in achieving these sustainability goals. Tools like digital twins enable AECOM to simulate performance and optimize resource usage effectively.

Navigating Challenges in Airport Expansion

Managing complex airport projects presents various challenges:

• Financial Factors: Addressing inflation and cost management.
• Operational Challenges: Minimizing disruptions during active airport operations.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing interests of airlines, regulators, and communities.

AECOM employs modular delivery strategies to address these hurdles, supporting scalable and adaptable project execution.

The Future of Airport Design

Looking ahead, significant trends are anticipated in airport infrastructure, including:

• Human-Centric Innovation: Enhancing the travel experience through technology.
• Adaptive Design: Utilizing modular systems that evolve with operational demands.
• Smart Infrastructure: Leveraging data and automation for efficiency.

The next generation of airports will focus not only on functionality but also on creating emotional connections with travelers.

Engagement Opportunities at FTE Asia

AECOM encourages attendees to engage with their team during the FTE Asia 2025 event. The company is eager to share insights on developing innovative, human-centered infrastructure that elevates travel experiences.