As work continues on Pittsburgh International Airport's $1.4 billion Terminal Modernization Program, the facility's governing authority has begun the process of recruiting someone to fill the newly created role of chief information officer.
During the Allegheny County Airport Authority's monthly board meeting on Friday, officials approved a contract increase of $126,500 with global consulting and headhunting firm Korn Ferry for executive search services related to the hiring of a chief information officer, an upgraded position to the former and now-vacant senior vice president of information technology role. It brings the total contract amount awarded to Korn Ferry for this search to $230,000.
"We intend to build the world’s smartest airport. Doing so requires high-level integration of technology platforms and potential new and emerging solutions," Bob Kerlik, director of public affairs for the ACAA, said in an email statement. "This position will be an experienced leader who advances and drives the IT business and operating strategy."
Kerlik said the various information systems in need of oversight by such a role at the ACAA include all of its communications networks and platforms, its cyber systems development, cyber security, predictive analytics and maintenance, among others.
Upon its fulfillment, the new chief information officer will report directly to ACAA CEO Christina Cassotis, who shared more positive news during the meeting regarding improved flight operating statistics at the region's largest airport.
Over 770,000 passengers walked through PIT's doors this past April, up 10% year-over-year and about 96% of the prepandemic figures seen in April 2019. The total number of seats airline carriers offered for sale during the same time period also saw an improvement with more than 959,000 seats made available last month, about 95% of the 1.01 million carriers offered in April 2019.
"What's happening is, as the airlines are adding seats, passengers are showing up and booking them," Cassotis said. "We're very happy to see that the airlines are adding service and doing well."
PIT currently offers nonstop service to 58 airports, a figure that will grow over the summer as airlines add seasonal flight offerings. However, it's a figure that's down from the number of destinations offered in the years leading up to the pandemic and is an indicator that Cassotis hopes to improve soon.
"We've got work to do on the West Coast and we know it," Cassotis said of attracting more service that would connect Pittsburgh to this particular region of the country. "We are working with our airline partners to hope to convince them that that's a good decision to make."
