Navigating the skies of the future: Connico team shares 2024 trend predictions

As we embark on the journey that is 2024, we reflect on an industry that has shifted in many ways. Our team has had to be acutely aware of changes in pricing, timelines and planning to ensure our processes and services remained viable for our clients. With innovation at the forefront of our work in this ever-evolving sector, we recognize our responsibility to keep a pulse on the conversations and predictions happening around us.

Heading into the new year, we asked a few of our Connico Crew members to share some of the most notable trend opportunities they see shaping the aviation construction industry. Continue reading for our team’s insights into the areas propelling change, redefining standards and reaching new heights in 2024. Fasten your seatbelts; the future of aviation construction is ready for takeoff, and Connico is your trusted pilot.

David Hunley, Vice President and Chief Development Officer
During 2024, I see a continued push of significant work for the aviation industry. We’re seeing funding from the infrastructure bill starting to flow in with investments at a large number of airports. Additionally, the workforce will continue to shrink with the baby boomer generation's notable retirement pace. Going forward, the key will be to channel and catalog as much of the information carried in the minds of those baby boomers as possible to ensure this institutional knowledge is shared in a beneficial and successful way.

Mihail Risteski, Senior Project Specialist
As mentioned above, the injection of substantial funds from the infrastructure bill into the aviation industry can lead to both opportunities and challenges for airports. Major opportunities will be introduced for Construction Administration Services like scheduling and field services. These will be instrumental in dealing with the challenges of careful planning, effective project management and a flexible approach that can help ensure that federal investments contribute to the timely and successful completion of infrastructure projects within the aviation sector.

Ramon Valdez, Analyst II
One major opportunity taking the lead in the industry is younger generations spending more time in young professional groups. Networking and getting to know other young professional peers in the aviation industry, especially while having conversations about new projects around the country, can create a camaraderie within the sector and potentially attract even more talent into a growing field.

Janet Terry, Senior Marketing Specialist
With the push of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding that came through, many airports that needed updates have begun projects or are planning to begin them this year that will significantly change the perception of travel. We’re seeing a shift to airports becoming more pleasant to spend time in, and that’s creating projects centered around adding a variety of upgrades, including more windows, better lighting, easier access, art exhibits, more comfortable seating, better concessions, park-like settings with outdoor areas within the airport, a wider variety of restaurants and bars, and live music and shows built into the project goals.