AECOM – a Gold Sponsor of APEX FTE Asia Expo (Singapore, 11-12 November 2025) – designs and delivers airport environments that go beyond transport infrastructure, creating ecosystems that connect cities, economies, and people. In this interview, ahead of her participation at APEX FTE Asia Expo, Yvonne Bilshausen, SVP | Global Head of Aviation, Architecture + Engineering, shares how AECOM’s integrated capabilities span every element of aviation development, from terminal design, airfield planning, and engineering to program management and implementation.
See the full APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 schedule at a glance >> Register for APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 – free to attend >>
“By combining global expertise with local insight, we help airports deliver efficient, sustainable, and passenger-centric solutions that respond to evolving operational needs,” Bilshausen explains. “Our multidisciplinary approach ensures every project – whether a terminal upgrade, new concourse, or regional airport expansion – enhances the passenger experience while driving long-term value for our clients and the broader air transport ecosystem.”
AECOM’s decision to become a Gold Sponsor of APEX FTE Asia Expo reflects a deep commitment to advancing the future of aviation across the Asia-Pacific region. “This event brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of air travel and offers a platform to share insights from our ongoing work at many airports such as Hong Kong, Melbourne and Sydney,” says Bilshausen. “APEX FTE Asia Expo provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share lessons from these regional programs, and explore new approaches that combine global best practice with local delivery. Our focus is on showcasing how innovation in design, digital integration, and sustainability is accelerating the next generation of airports across Asia.”
Bilshausen is speaking in the Premium Conference at APEX FTE Asia Expo, in a session focused on ‘Innovative airport expansion efforts that will deliver memorable travel experiences and enhanced operations’. “I’ll be sharing how innovation in design and delivery is reshaping the way airports evolve, from global trends in modular construction to localised sustainability strategies,” says Bilshausen. “One of the key messages is that innovation isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about creating adaptable, human-centric environments that stand the test of time. We’ll also discuss how modularity, prefabrication, and digital twins are enabling airports to expand efficiently while maintaining seamless passenger experiences.”
Continued acceleration in human-centric innovation, where technology enhances the travel experience
AECOM embeds sustainability from the very first sketch, not as an afterthought. Its strategy focuses on net-zero energy systems such as electrified fleets, onsite renewables, and district cooling; circular construction using low-carbon materials and modular reuse; and climate resilience through planning for heat, storms, and sea-level rise.
“We align with frameworks like LEED, BREEAM, and Envision, but the real innovation comes from connecting design, operations, and community impact into one sustainability narrative,” Bilshausen explains. “On top of that, digital tools like digital twins play a critical role in allowing us to simulate performance, optimise energy use, and track long-term sustainability outcomes.”
Airport expansions are inherently ambitious. Bilshausen shares that the biggest challenges are:
- Financial: managing inflation, funding models, and cost volatility
- Operational: working in live airport environments while minimising disruption
- Stakeholder: aligning diverse interests across airlines, regulators, investors, and communities
“We address these through modular, phased delivery strategies that allow scalability with demand, and by leveraging digital twins and flexible governance models to maintain alignment, transparency, and trust throughout delivery,” says Bilshausen.
In terms of innovation in airport design and infrastructure, Bilshausen notes that we’ll see continued acceleration in human-centric innovation, where technology enhances, rather than overwhelms, the travel experience. Key trends include:
- Invisible security and distributed screening for seamless movement
- Adaptive design that grows with operational needs through modular systems
- Smart infrastructure powered by data, automation, and sustainable energy systems
“Ultimately, the next generation of airports will be remembered not for their scale, but for how they make people feel,” says Bilshausen.
Looking ahead, Bilshausen is eager to participate at the 15th anniversary edition of APEX FTE Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 11-12 November 2025. “We’d love to connect during sessions or ahead of time to discuss the future of airport design. We’re always excited to share insights on creating human-centric, innovative infrastructure that elevates every journey, so please connect with us to help shape airport experiences that inspire and delight.”
Hear more from AECOM in the Premium Conference at APEX FTE Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 11-12 November 2025. Yvonne Bilshausen, Global Head of Aviation Architecture and Engineering, AECOM, is participating in a session focused on ‘Innovative airport expansion efforts that will deliver memorable travel experiences and enhanced operations’.
See the full APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 schedule at a glance >> Register for APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 – free to attend >>
