Word on the Runway: What aviation trends will soar in 2025?

The aviation industry is changing at jet speed, and staying ahead has never been more critical. As technology advances, workforce dynamics shift, and sustainability takes top priority, success in 2025 will require agility and strategic thinking. Global connectivity and economic progress rely on aviation leaders, and those ready to innovate will soar above the competition in the coming year. 

To gain insight into the future of the field, we spoke with industry leaders John Baer, PE, aviation practice manager at Woolpert, Marcelo F. Lima, A.A.E., vice president of planning and development at Birmingham Airport Authority, and our own Sri Kumar, PE, president of Connico. Each shared a key trend or prediction of what they see shaping the industry in the year ahead.

We appreciate their insights as we navigate aviation’s ever-changing landscape. In the latest installment of Connico’s Word on the Runway series, we asked:

What is one trend or prediction you see rising to the top of the industry in 2025?

Here’s what our experts said.

John Baer, PE
Aviation Practice Manager, Woolpert
A growing emphasis on talent acquisition and workforce development will continue to dominate the aviation sector in 2025. As airport programs expand and schedules tighten, the need for skilled professionals has become urgent. The scarcity of experienced talent has led to burnout and attrition within the industry – a challenge that persists nationwide.

However, there’s a silver lining. Companies are partnering with secondary and post-secondary institutions to bridge the gap, introducing aviation programs and mentorship opportunities to attract fresh talent. At Woolpert, we’ve seen great success showcasing aviation career paths to students who might not know that their engineering or construction degrees can lead them to this exciting field.

Another vital development is the formalization of mentorship programs. Younger professionals crave structured guidance to accelerate their growth, and companies are recognizing that mentorship is critical for filling staffing gaps and building a robust pipeline of qualified employees. As we look toward 2025, these efforts will reshape the industry, addressing staffing challenges and fostering a new generation of aviation professionals.

Marcelo F. Lima, A.A.E.
Vice President of Planning and Development, Birmingham Airport Authority
Information Technology will remain at the forefront of airport operations in 2025. Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are no longer luxuries, they’re essentials. Airports increasingly use connectivity as a selling point to enhance passenger experiences and attract tenants. Meanwhile, cybersecurity will grow in importance to safeguard operational efficiency and data integrity.

Another rising trend is renewable energy adoption. While airports in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean have embraced energy independence, U.S. airports are catching up with solar projects that bolster resilience and sustainability. These innovations are shaping the future of airport infrastructure and contributing to broader environmental goals.

At Birmingham Airport Authority, we’re using these practices to improve airport operations and passenger satisfaction, and we anticipate seeing even greater adoption nationwide in the coming year.

Sri Kumar, PE
President, Connico
In 2025, I predict an increased emphasis on balanced planning in the aviation industry. While the rush to capitalize on new projects is exciting, moving too fast risks operational inefficiency and workforce burnout. Without careful oversight, companies may overextend themselves, jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of their growth.

Strategic consultancy will become more important than ever to help organizations manage this balance. Aligning growth with intentional resource allocation and thoughtful project execution allows companies to achieve ambitious goals without sacrificing efficiency or employee well-being. 

At Connico, we’ve seen how strategic planning helps clients maintain operational excellence while staying flexible enough to seize new opportunities. 

The solution isn’t just working faster; it’s working smarter to create lasting success.

As experts in consulting services, Connico is focused on providing extraordinary results for our clients. Our skilled team of planners, architects, engineers, and consultants has transformed airports, roadways, and communities across the country.

Have a question for our Word on the Runway series or want to connect with our team? Get in touch with us!