AECOM – a Platinum Sponsor of FTE Global, the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025 – is at the forefront of airport infrastructure innovation. In this interview, ahead of her participation at FTE Global, Yvonne Bilshausen, SVP | Global Head of Aviation, Architecture + Engineering, shares how AECOM partners with airports, airlines, and other businesses to design iconic, human-centric terminals and concourses that transform how guests experience air travel. “Our goal is to create spaces that elevate the travel experience while supporting the operational and commercial success of our partners.”
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AECOM’s decision to become a Platinum Sponsor of FTE Global 2025 was driven by its commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving transformative change within the aviation industry. “FTE Global provides a unique platform to engage with innovators, exchange insights, and collaborate on solutions that will shape the next generation of air travel,” says Bilshausen. “We’re aiming to not only share our expertise but also listen, learn, and strengthen partnerships that advance sustainable, passenger-focused, and technology-enabled airport solutions worldwide.”
Bilshausen is participating in a conference session at FTE Global focused on ‘Understanding the trends, and factors, that will impact passenger journeys & future expansion strategies of airports and airlines’. “I’m really looking forward to exploring how airports and airlines can anticipate the shifting needs of travellers and industry stakeholders while ensuring infrastructure remains resilient, adaptable, and future-ready. Attendees can expect practical insights and forward-looking strategies that combine innovation with real-world implementation.”
Enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and embedding sustainability into the future of air travel
AECOM’s approach to airport design and planning accommodates digital, sustainability and human expectations of new terminals of the future:
- Elevating passenger experience: Designing airports that prioritise seamless navigation, comfort, and efficiency through clear signage, intuitive layouts, and amenities that meet diverse traveller needs.
- Prioritising efficiency and functionality: Creating terminals that facilitate effortless passenger flow, streamlined security, and seamless baggage handling, ensuring airports operate at peak performance while enhancing the travel experience.
- Commitment to sustainability: Integrating energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and innovative green strategies that minimise environmental impact and elevate the overall quality of the built environment.
- Emphasising flexibility and scalability: Developing visionary designs that can adapt to passenger growth and evolving technologies, ensuring they can effortlessly accommodate increasing passenger volumes and meet the ever-evolving demands of modern travel.
- Embracing technological integration: Seamlessly weaving technologies into every aspect of the travel experience, from streamlined check-in and enhanced security processes to dynamic passenger information systems that keep guests informed and engaged.
- Innovative design solutions: Delivering iconic, high-ROI designs that not only captivate the eye but also elevate terminal functionality, blending stunning aesthetics with practical features to redefine the commercial air travel experience.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Leveraging expertise across architecture, engineering, planning, and operations to create integrated, future-ready solutions that exceed technical and safety standards.
- Guest-centric features: Prioritising diverse passenger needs – such as inviting dwell areas, gourmet dining options, and vibrant retail spaces – to elevate the travel experience and significantly enhance guest satisfaction, turning airports into enjoyable destinations.
- Cultural relevance: Infusing local cultural elements into the terminal design to create a rich, authentic identity that resonates with passengers, transforming their journey into a meaningful experience that reflects the unique spirit of the community.
“We’re proud to be delivering some of the most ambitious and transformative airport projects around the world,” Bilshausen explains. “Each project reflects our commitment to enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and embedding sustainability into the future of air travel. Our teams are partnering with airports and airlines to design and deliver facilities that are resilient, adaptable, and ready to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.”
Indeed, Bilshausen highlights several notable examples:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): “The revitalisation of Terminal E added 320,000 square feet of new gate infrastructure, featuring a distinctive red roof inspired by Boston’s colour palette, while integrating advanced operational efficiencies and new ticketing, baggage handling, and U.S. Customs facilities.”
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): “AECOM Hunt is partnering in the $4.2 billion redevelopment of Terminal 6 at JFK, which includes a 1.2 million square foot terminal, expanded gate capacity, new amenities, and a commitment to exceeding 30% utilisation of minority- and women-owned businesses, expected to be completed by 2028.”
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): “Terminal A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System. Here we are contributing to a $332 million upgrade at BWI to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency, including direct connectivity between Concourses A and B, expanded baggage handling, and more hold room, food, and retail options.”
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): “We’re proud to be modernising Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s S Concourse in collaboration with HOK, transforming the 350,000-square-foot space into a more efficient and sustainable facility by reconfiguring concourse areas, redeveloping former inspection spaces for retail and dining, and expanding premium lounges. This project, expected to be completed by 2031, underscores our commitment to enhancing travel experiences and aligns with the Port of Seattle’s sustainability goals.”
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): “At Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, we’re providing project and program management services for multiple initiatives, including supporting infrastructure enhancements, wayfinding updates, and landscaping improvements to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience amid extensive expansion efforts.”
- Melbourne International Airport (MEL): “At MEL, we’re delivering multiple projects including the expansion of Virgin Domestic Arrivals and Reclaim in T3, upgrades to baggage screening, and the redevelopment of the Arrivals Duty-Free retail space.”
- San Diego International Airport (SAN): “Here we’re delivering comprehensive program, project, and construction management services for NT1, the airport’s largest project, which will feature a new on-airport entrance road for quicker access, as well as bicycle lanes and a pedestrian path connecting to San Diego’s communities, while also reserving space for a future direct link to the region’s public transit network.”
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): “As the leader of the Airfield Management Partners joint venture, we’re providing comprehensive planning, programming, design, procurement, and construction management services for all phases of airside project development, including infrastructure rehabilitation and enhancements for runways, taxiways, utilities, security, signage, support facilities, and airport transit systems.”
AECOM combining innovative design thinking with advanced digital technology
AECOM’s Aviation teams are setting trends, not following them. By combining innovative design thinking with advanced digital technology, AECOM transforms its clients’ most pressing challenges into opportunities for smarter, more resilient, and passenger-focused solutions. Some of the challenges our aviation clients are facing include:
- Navigating complex logistics: Coordinating passenger flow, optimising security checkpoints, and ensuring reliable baggage handling to keep airports operating efficiently.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance: Meeting rigorous security, safety, and accessibility standards across every phase of design and operation.
- Balancing aesthetics and function: Designing terminals that are both visually inspiring and highly efficient, creating spaces that perform as well as they look.
- Managing scale and scope: Addressing the complexity of large-scale projects through careful planning, collaboration, and coordination across multiple disciplines.
- Overcoming budget/funding constraints: Delivering high-quality and functional designs within budget limitations.
- Future-proofing designs: Embedding flexibility and foresight to accommodate future growth, evolving passenger expectations, and emerging technologies.
“The ultimate showcase of innovative solutions for complex challenges is the remarkable (BOS) Boston Logan Terminal E Expansion,” Bilshausen shares. “As AECOM’s Global Head of Aviation Architecture and Engineering, I am beyond thrilled to share my admiration for the inspirational planning, architecture, engineering, and construction of BOS Terminal E. This incredible project is a true testament to innovation, creativity, and sustainability in aviation infrastructure. Designed with a striking red roof that blends bold aesthetics with functional purpose, the terminal demonstrates how architecture can be both iconic and highly practical.”
Led by Terry Rookard and Jonathan Rushmore, a team of highly talented AECOM architects integrated cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles, creating a structure that is both visually striking and highly practical. “Walking through Terminal E, you will be inspired by the seamless harmony between form and function,” says Bilshausen. “It’s a space that not only meets but exceeds expectations, providing an environment that is calm, comfortable, and efficient. We’re proud to help set that direction, turning ambitious visions into lasting infrastructure that will serve communities and travellers for decades to come.”
“Let’s collaborate to shape airport experiences that inspire and delight”
Looking ahead, Bilshausen is eager to participate at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025. “I value the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and exchange innovative ideas that shape the future of aviation. This year, I’m particularly excited to explore how new technologies and guest-centric design are being applied to create smarter, more seamless airport experiences. We’d love to connect during sessions or ahead of time to discuss the future of airport design. Our team is excited to share insights on creating human-centric, innovative infrastructure that elevates every journey. Let’s collaborate to shape airport experiences that inspire and delight.”
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