Are You Interested in Helping to Shape the New PIT?

Famed inventor, scientist and engineer Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

Bell believed that acquiring knowledge, developing skills, setting clear objectives and planning meticulously was the foundation for success.

Deliberate and thoughtful preparation is key to the work that the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) is doing as Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is transformed. That work is particularly evident in the ongoing trials – or tests – of the airport’s processes and operations.

You may not have noticed, but ACAA teams have been conducting trials on the operations that have been updated, areas that have been renovated and new processes that are being put in place.

“A strong trial program ensures that when the new PIT opens, our team is confident, prepared and ready to deliver a world-class travel experience for passengers,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of ACAA. “It’s our opportunity to uncover challenges, validate our processes and build confidence so that when we open, we are fully prepared to deliver a world-class airport experience.”

Daniel Bryan is the lead of the ACAA Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) team that has been charged with ensuring that ACAA team members are prepared to run the airport smoothly before opening day. Well known in the industry for planning and executing public trials across the world, Bryan has worked with airports such as Dubai International Airport, airlines such as Delta and aviation authorities. At PIT, he is leading the work to develop the trials and coordinating with fellow ORAT members.

“There’s no such thing as a bad trial – only lessons learned,” said Bryan. “It’s far better to uncover issues today so we can refine, adjust and be fully ready for Day 1.”

Basic trials, which typically test a single operation or process, have been happening since May. Some trials have been fairly straightforward, like testing that the toilets flush in the newly installed and renovated bathrooms. But others are more involved.

A basic trial that tested the renovated holdrooms (the areas where passengers wait to board their flights) involved the airlines and ACAA team members. Airline employees were able to test their equipment, including printing boarding passes. Because of the trials, one airline was able to determine that it needed to adjust lines because the screen with passenger information could be seen by travelers.

Renovations to newly renumbered gates C1 and C2 (formerly gates C51 and C53) for international flights coincided with updates to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) space and upgrades to allow the airport to accept the largest planes used by airlines. As teams prepared to re-open the gates, the ORAT team led multiple fit checks with airline employees. During those trials, planes came up to the gates and tested the systems and connection to the jet bridges, which are now connected to permanent walkways installed at the gates in January.

Each part of the trial looked at something different related to the improvements. It even involved a local catering vendor to ensure that their employees could safely access approved aircraft doors with the catering vehicles.

While the test proved that widebody aircraft could use the gates, it also identified issues that needed to be addressed, including a jetway phone, the preconditioned air and ground power. With that knowledge, ACAA determined that the new gates weren’t going to open until those issues were resolved. (Spoiler alert: The new gates opened the following day.)

In all, basic trials will test over 40 different business operations as PIT is being transformed. From wayfinding to parking to check-in, volunteers from across PIT will ensure the people, processes, facilities and systems are ready.

Every trial is built on a risk-based approach: If something is new or modified, it warrants a trial. What distinguishes ORAT is its focus on testing people, processes, facilities and systems against real-world scenarios. This integrated, end-to-end validation sets ORAT apart.

“We start with simple tests focused on single tasks,” said Alexander Alvarez, ORAT’s trial manager. “As we get closer to Opening Day, the complexity of trials increases. We start with basic trials focused on individual components. Then, we layer in additional systems, stakeholders and volunteers through advanced and integrated trials — ensuring the entire airport ecosystem functions seamlessly when it matters most.”

The upcoming integrated public trial is the culmination of their work. Scheduled for September, ACAA is seeking 3,000 to 4,000 people who would be interested in participating in a full-scale dress rehearsal that will envision what a typical day at the airport will look and feel like. This will be the first opportunity to see the building truly come alive.

ORAT is aiming to re-create what peak travel will look and feel like on that first day – bringing together people, processes, facilities and systems in a safe environment to test, learn and adjust before opening.

Participants will act as a passenger, moving through the terminal and experiencing the transformed PIT. Following a script, volunteers will be asked to provide feedback to the team, ensuring accessibility, and preparing communications and operational readiness. And yes, this means that participants will be subject to the same rules and regulations as if they were traveling, including having a government-issued ID.

Just as importantly, the trials are open to everyone. ACAA has worked diligently to ensure trial experiences are welcoming and representative of a broad range of airport users. To evaluate how facilities and services perform for individuals with varying access needs, persons of all abilities are not only welcomed to participate but encouraged to take part in the trial.

Feedback will be collected from everyone involved. This is a unique chance for volunteers to actively shape and improve the new PIT experience. Your insights won’t just be appreciated — they’ll be essential in helping ACAA get it right.

To express your interest in being part of the public trial, scan the QR code below to submit your email address, or visit pittransformed.com/opening-events/ and follow the link to be redirected to the expression of interest form. Providing your email address ensures you’ll be first in line when sign-ups go live.