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Aeronautics and aeronautics

Houston Airports Director of Aviation Reflects on Adapting to 2020 Challenges

10/02/20

When it comes to global connections, international trade, and innovation, Houston airports have propelled the region to new heights. Unfortunately, in recent months, COVID-19 has affected nearly every facet of Houston’s economy, and our airports are no exception. Mario Diaz, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, spoke about these challenges and how the region’s airports have adapted during the partnership’s Airport Status event on Oct. 2. The pandemic’s impact on Houston’s airport system “We had a record year in 2019,” Diaz said. “We were clearly on track to surpass 60 million passengers in 2020.” Diaz noted that figures had taken a major turn in March. Passenger traffic figures fell by 50% compared to 2019 levels. Traffic fell further in April by 95% and then by 90% in May. “Our airfields began to look more like airplane parking lots,” Diaz said. “And so few passengers meant little revenue coming in.” About 80% of dealerships and retailers closed with only about 50 storefronts remaining open. The parking, noted Diaz, which is the biggest non-airline revenue earner, has been decimated. “It was our bottom,” he said. “But it was the time when I believe we found our greatest strength in ourselves, in our essential team and our leadership. We knew we had to adapt. We had to be nimble. We knew we had to come together and act quickly.” HAS priorities and planning focused on safety and access for their essential workforce, financial health and airline partners. New technology, measures security measures implemented In early 2020, Hobby Airport became the first in Texas to have fully biometric boarding and international entry, greatly reducing the need to touch surfaces Diaz said HAS saw an opportunity with the pandemic to accelerate its program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which is on its way to becoming fully biometric for international departures and arrivals.” We are also testing other contactless technologies to integrate into the airport experience, such as contactless bag drops, contactless kiosks and check-in. It’s a giant milestone to celebrate,” he said. The airport system in H ouston also launched FlySafe, which implemented enhanced security measures for airport shuttles, trains, sidewalks, ticketing areas, baggage claim, gates and other areas. The measures included mandatory measures of face coverings, hundreds of additional hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers and more thorough cleanings. Houston on the shortlist for Space Comm and HQ Diaz also spoke about Houston’s bid to host the US Space Command headquarters. The creation of US Space Command increases the Joint Force’s ability to project power and influence, reduces decision times for space operations, and draws attention to defending US interests in space. According to the US Air Force, which is overseeing the selection of Space Command’s permanent headquarters, it will employ about 1,400 civilians and military personnel when fully operational. “Space Command acts as a combat command in space,” Diaz said. “We thank Governor Abbott for naming Ellington Airport.” Click here for more information on Houston airports. Learn more about international business in Houston.