PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh International Airport continues to redefine what it means to be an airport.
On Tuesday, Fast Company named Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies.
The honor is given to businesses making the most profound impact on their industry and culture, while also showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.
“For us, innovation is more than technology,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, which owns and operates Pittsburgh International Airport. “It’s how we work with our airline partners, it’s how we work with each other and how we work to improve the passenger experience. In short, innovation is in our DNA, and this honor is not just a recognition, it’s a validation of all of that.”
Examples of PIT’s innovative efforts include:
- An industry-leading sensory room called Presley’s Place
- Partnering with Carnegie Mellon University to develop an app for visually-impaired travelers
- Using artificial intelligence and machine learning to accurately predict security checkpoint wait times at a fraction of the cost of similar systems in other airports
Beyond what travelers see, airport officials have announced plans to become the first major U.S. airport powered entirely by a microgrid. Additionally, last fall, PIT debuted Neighborhood 91, the world’s first end-to-end additive manufacturing production campus.
“Pittsburgh International Airport is an economic engine for our entire region. It’s not just facilitating growth and innovation, it’s driving it,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. "The Pittsburgh region has always been known for innovation and advancement and I’m thrilled to see the airport recognized for its important achievements in those spaces from a leading publication like Fast Company.”
Learn more about why Fast Company named Pittsburgh International Airport one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies here.
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which owns and operates Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader.
Pittsburgh International Airport serves nearly 10 million passengers annually on 17 carriers. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2019 and 2018.
About Fast Company:
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with its sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.