If/When
Nov 24, 2024
The Future Flight Path: Gaining Altitude with Intelligent Airports
Show contributors: Ersin Inankul, David Miranda, Arthur Jones
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How can we modernize airports to be better for passengers, communities, balance sheets and our environment?
It’s a complex challenge that can’t be solved by talent or policy alone — it also requires the right application of digital tools and technologies. These transport hubs play a vital role in our communities and economies, and to empower a better, more sustainable future for all, we need an elevation in industry-wide innovation and collaboration.
Our guests for this episode are leaders in this field: Ersin Inankul, Head of Aviation Digital at Jacobs, and David Miranda, Digital Expert at PA Consulting*.
*Jacobs holds a 65% stake in PA Consulting, with the remaining 35% held by PA employees. Both Jacobs and PA operate as separate entities, each responsible for serving clients independently.
Tune in to find out
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What an intelligent airport is, and what it means for customers
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What are the best use cases for AI, both Gen AI and traditional AI, at airports
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How airports must prepare for the predicted 20bn annual passengers in 2040
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How to integrate the 40-plus standalone systems at a modern airport
About our guests
Ersin Inankul has worked in airport IT for the past 20 years, bringing a wealth of experience from projects across Europe and the Middle East. He has been involved in all stages of the airport IT process, from system design to ensuring smooth operations when the first plane arrives. Ersin is adept at managing teams, projects and contracts, making him a true all-rounder in airport IT. He has a proven track record in strategic planning and navigating change in the fast-paced aviation industry.
Prior to his current role, Ersin tackled various IT challenges at 22 different airports, ensuring their systems ran 24/7. Most recently, he served as the Chief Digital and Commercial Officer at IGA Airports Holdings, where he played a key role in designing the information and communication technology systems for the world’s largest airport – the New Istanbul Airport.
Ersin is currently Jacobs’ Head of Aviation Digital and a member of the World IT Standing Committee of Airports Council International.
David Miranda is a renowned leader in software and data engineering, specializing in crafting robust, mission-critical systems for industries with demanding operational requirements. His extensive experience spans both rail and aviation, where he has shaped the technology landscapes of Europe’s largest and busiest transportation hubs, including critical engagements across the U.K. and Netherlands.
David's technical acumen is matched by his strategic vision, particularly in designing and implementing technology strategies that align with organizational goals. This includes platform modernization, defining technical roadmaps, and executing seamless legacy migrations for high-stakes systems such as airport operations databases and integrated cargo management platforms. His work often revolves around delivering digital transformations that are both future-proof and business-aligned, leveraging his expertise in backend, data engineering and real-time system design.
Beyond the technical realm, David is passionate about nurturing high-performing teams and fostering cultures that prioritize innovation, agility and reliability. His approach consistently balances business value and technical excellence, ensuring that mission-critical environments like rail traffic control and airport operations meet their full potential.
David is currently digital expert at PA Consulting.
About If/When
In Jacobs’ series of interviews with some of the industry’s leading subject matter experts, inspirational leaders and trailblazers, we pull back the curtain on some of the hottest topics and trends across critical infrastructure, climate resiliency, water, advanced manufacturing, energy transition, sustainability, technology and artificial intelligence. We unpack the innovation, core values and close collaboration between Jacobs and its relationships with clients, partners and the communities in which it serves. We explore how we’re building social value across all that we do to create digitally enabled, science-based and sustainable solutions that drive climate response and human wellness.