Sean Donohue, CEO DFW Airport Board – Keynote interview
The Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Airport Board CEO joined Ben Thompson for a keynote interview on ‘Reimagining business models and reinvigorating innovation tactics to meet unprecedented sustainability targets by 2030’ at the World Aviation Festival.
In this 10-minute interview, Sean explained the mindset allowing the airport’s remarkable response to COVID-19 as well as the key to the airport’s innovative sustainability solutions.
Casting his mind back to scenario planning, Sean told the interviewer, “We never anticipated this [the pandemic].” Despite not having a crystal ball, the airport had extraordinary foresight. Reflecting on previous dramatic changes to the industry, including 9/11, the conclusion was reached that travel would eventually recover. Holding this view, no staff were laid off or furloughed, small businesses were taken into account, and conversations were had with the airport’s partners. As the industry recovers, DFW have given themselves a head start with their approach during the crisis.
Looking at the airport’s sustainability track record and ambitious future, Sean broke it down simply.
- From a practical perspective: It is good business. For further detail on this see the interview with the VP Environmental Affairs & Sustainability at DFW, Robert Horton ‘Sustainability is complimentary to good business.’
- As a steward: It is the right thing to do.
But importantly, innovation can be also fun. In the interview Sean outlines some of the exciting sustainability initiatives and technology helping the airport on their journey to Net Zero by 2030.
