When Will More Innovation Come to U.S. Airports?
Photo Credit: San Diego International has a 16-week program that nurtures startups and helps them prepare to win future contracts. Companies can test their ideas in the airport's old and empty commuter terminal, pictured here. San Diego International Airport
Skift Take
Most U.S. airports are clunky, publicly run enterprises, and they innovate slowly. Plus, their largest tenants — airlines — can be cheap, and unwilling to pay more than they need to. But a few airports are innovating, and that's good news for passengers.
The typical major U.S. airport is a large bureaucratic organization staffed by public-sector employees who can be averse to change.
It's part of the reason airports were slow to embrace Uber and Lyft, even though many passengers prefer rideshares over taxis. Airports clung to old policies, as many had long-standing contracts with taxi companies, plus parking revenue to protect.
But some U.S. airports are embracing innovation, including two — San Diego International and Dallas/Fort Worth International —that I highlighted in a story on Monday. San Diego recently started a 16-week program that helps a handful of startups test their ideas in an airport environment. Several companies participating never could win a "real" airport contract because they're not established enough. But if they succeed in the test, they may have a chance in the future.
Dallas/Fort Worth, meanwhile, in August hired an executive vice president for innovation, charged w
