Felipe specializes in delivering public-private partnerships (P3s) in the airport sector, using his multi-disciplinary expertise to foster collaboration and efficiency on complex programs. As a former CEO, board member and advisor to airport companies, he has guided major investments to long-term success. He joined our aviation team in early 2024, where he leads transformative projects and industry advancements.

Tell us about why you enjoy working on airport projects — what motivates and inspires you?

I designed an airport early in my career in Chile and became enamored with aviation. I love seeing airports under construction and in operation, and I still take every opportunity to check out the airside during development.

Airports are unique in that they support an incredibly diverse set of stakeholders — airlines, public entities, developers, operators, cargo handlers, service providers, travelers and more. Each group has their own priorities and perspectives, which makes the challenge of aligning their needs complex and rewarding. I’m inspired by bringing these interests together to create solutions that benefit everyone.

I take great pride in leveraging my P3 experience to help owners realize their vision. My goal is to contribute to the development of world-class airports that function efficiently and instill a sense of pride in the communities they serve.

What are some of the challenges associated with developing airports in dense, urban areas, and how have you navigated those complexities in your career?

Ultimately, our goal is to make existing airport facilities work smarter. Modernizing terminals by replacing outdated infrastructure and rethinking passenger processing systems can dramatically improve efficiency without requiring physical expansion.

Airports are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze their processes in real time, anticipate peak hours, manage queues and refine schedules to minimize congestion. I see AI as a tool to unlock new ideas that challenge traditional philosophies and guide future development. Capitalizing on these innovations ensures that even in the most space-constrained environments, airports can continue to evolve and thrive.

How does aviation development create transformative opportunities for communities, and how has that influenced your approach to your work?

Airports have evolved into dynamic hubs that connect air and land infrastructure to drive regional economies. This shift presents transformative opportunities for communities served by airports, from supporting logistics services and business districts to sustaining hotels and commercial developments. P3s play a vital role in realizing this potential by attracting private investments to support development at the terminal and beyond, helping airports become engines of regional growth.

When airports are thoughtfully planned, they become self-sustaining ecosystems. Recognizing this broader role is essential to the success of any P3. The public sector views infrastructure as a social responsibility — one that must deliver lasting benefits to the communities it serves. At the same time, private investors seek long-term value. My extensive experience delivering P3s allows me to align the goals of investors, airport operators and communities, creating partnerships that are financially sound, socially responsible and built for long-term success.

My approach to planning begins with positioning the airport as a catalyst for growth. I then prioritize a high level of service for airlines and passengers, ensuring operational excellence while delivering lasting value. With a future-focused strategy, we deliver infrastructure that meets regional needs, creates investment opportunities and strengthens communities far beyond the airfield.

What possibilities are you excited for moving forward?

I’m excited about the involvement of new players in the airport development space and the innovations this broader collaboration can bring. Sustainable airports are profitable airports, and this paradigm is increasingly gaining traction in the U.S. As new investors, developers and global aviation experts enter the field, we have a real opportunity to reshape airport infrastructure with fresh thinking and future-ready solutions.

Historically, the U.S. was a global leader in airport development thanks to forward-thinking airlines and strong public sector planning. Much of the world’s most advanced airport infrastructure has been influenced by the U.S. model. Today’s evolving needs present a chance to lead once again, applying new ideas to build on a legacy of innovation.

As technologies like AI and machine learning emerge in the aviation industry, the need for adaptable infrastructure will only grow. Strengthening connections to urban transit networks is critical to positioning airports as efficient gateways that drive economic prosperity and improve passenger experiences, ushering in a new era of global mobility.

The post Transforming Aviation: Meet Felipe Fraser appeared first on Blog.

Thomas Amoia joined ArchTam in May 2024 as vice president and senior transportation program manager in the New York Metro. Previously serving as the director of major capital projects for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Thomas brings more than 30 years of construction experience on multi-billion-dollar capital programs.

A former program director for Delta Air Lines’ JFK redevelopment, George Guillaume joined ArchTam’s New York Metro team in October 2024. He now applies his 20-plus years of aviation industry experience as senior aviation director and program manager serving airports in New York and New Jersey.

Air travel is booming. Global air passenger traffic is expected to double over the next 30 years, reaching about nine billion travelers annually by 2055. This is a pivotal moment to modernize airport infrastructure to meet growing needs and ensure long-term efficiency.  

Growth is complicated — and expensive. Upgrading airports presents major challenges for agencies, developers, airlines and constructors. We understand the complexities of airport modernization and apply our expertise in strategic financing, construction and dedication to the customer experience to create airport terminal designs that are shaping aviation’s future.  

Propelling progress

The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that U.S. airports will need more than $150 billion in infrastructure investments over the next five years. To meet this demand, agencies are turning to public-private partnerships (P3s) as financing models. In a P3, private investors finance, develop and may also operate the project under a long-term lease before returning it to the public agency.

P3 developers navigate financing complexities, revenue development, airline coordination and construction oversight. Developed by JFK Millenium Partners, the new 1.3-million-square-foot, 10-gate Terminal 6 at New York City’s JFK International Airport — where we serve as design-builder — is a prime example of a P3 in action.

JFK Millenium Partners secured private investment that established funding for Terminal 6 in partnership with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), the agency/owner. Initial coordination between the developers and airlines resulted in a tailored design that optimized gate configurations and devised services that meet traveler and operational needs. Early airline commitments and long-term commercial strategies established reliable revenue and financial viability.

ArchTam’s portfolio spans the entire PANYNJ network, reimagining terminal experiences across all the agency’s airports. Our aviation team delivered on-site construction management services for Delta Air Line’s Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and provided program and project management support services for LGA’s redevelopment program. We also provided program management for Newark Liberty International Airport’s recently completed Terminal A. And as part of a design-build team, we’ve completed critical airside infrastructure work such as Teterboro Airport’s air traffic control tower. In short, our aviation teams work collaboratively across all phases of development, design and construction to deliver spaces that move people efficiently and with purpose.

Faster, smarter construction

Many developers are turning to alternative delivery methods such as design-build, progressive design-build and construction manager at risk (CMAR) to maximize capital efficiency. Early collaboration, inherent in alternative delivery projects, offers greater control over budget, schedule and risk, resolving issues before construction begins and reducing delays — key advantages for complex operational sites like airports.

Our deep experience with alternative delivery has supported the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) since 2005, advancing major capital programs at San Diego International Airport (SAN). Under a PMCM contract, we helped develop procurement strategies, structure contracts and coordinate phased work to maintain operations.

In 2013, through the CMAR model and phased construction, SDCRAA delivered the 526,000-square-foot, 10-gate Terminal West expansion at SAN early and under budget. That same approach now guides the 1.2 million-square-foot, 30-gate Terminal 1 Replacement Program. With 19 gates opening in fall 2025, travelers are already benefiting from improved amenities and a more seamless airport journey — part of SDCRAA’s commitment to improving the travel experience while modernizing critical infrastructure.

From “worst” to first

LaGuardia Airport has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once infamous for outdated terminals, LGA’s $8 billion redevelopment — the first complete rebuild of a U.S. airport in over 25 years — is setting a new standard for efficiency, comfort and innovation. LGA’s Terminal B received UNESCO’s Prix Versailles as the world’s best new terminal in 2021, and since then the airport’s reputation as a world-class travel hub has continued to grow. Skytrax, a leading international airport rating organization, named Terminal B as the world’s best terminal in 2023 and awarded it five stars, a first for a North American airport terminal. And in 2025 Skytrax proclaimed LGA to be North America’s best airport for domestic and short-haul international travel. 

Our team provided program and project management support services for the centerpiece of this 10-year airport program, replacing LGA’s outdated, 50-year-old Central Terminal Building. Our work included overseeing major upgrades to roads, bridges and utilities through the capital infrastructure program and contributing to the runway safety enhancement program, which extended and strengthened key runway sections.

The resulting 1.2 million-square-foot, 35-gate Terminal B — developed with extensive airline input — provides modern amenities and addresses specific operational needs. Outdated systems gave way to technologies like biometric screening to improve the traveler experience. Expanded lounges, larger gate areas, and broadened dining and shopping options prioritized customer comfort. An updated runway layout advanced airline operations and minimized pushback delays.

While working closely with the PANYNJ and its public-private partner LaGuardia Gateway Partners on Terminal B, we also coordinated with the Delta Air Lines team leading the redevelopment of terminals C and D to ensure smooth collaboration where infrastructure and operations intersected.

A talent trifecta

With a long record of expertise, our ArchTam team brings unique insights, skills and capabilities to airport redevelopment across the U.S. and around the world.  

The post Meeting a moving target: Upgrading for the next generation of air travel appeared first on Blog.