Miami International Airport has been selected by the Airport Innovation Accelerator – an aviation industry community established by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) – to receive the inaugural Airport Innovation Award for its creative work to improve the passenger experience. The Airport Innovation Accelerator is a hub for innovation that brings together airports with corporate leaders, start-ups, regulators, airlines and key aviation stakeholders to drive creative approaches and build airports of the future. The award will be presented to MIA officials today at the 2nd Annual Airport Innovation Forum in Silicon Valley.

“In addition to leading Miami-Dade County in economic impact and bringing visitors to our community, MIA is a local and national innovation leader as well,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “Congratulations to Director González and the Aviation Department on receiving this prestigious award, and for the forward-leaning work they have done and continue to do.”

The Airport Innovation Award was established by the Airport Innovation Accelerator to honor innovative developments that are a model for airports around the country. MIA secured the award for a portfolio of creative and cutting-edge innovations to enhance the passenger experience, including: MIA Airport Official, a mobile app that provides a full suite of customer service enhancements; MIAair, a special-needs dress-rehearsal program for hearing impaired and autistic travelers in partnership with a major medical institution; the Sustainability Project at MIA, a $40 million energy savings initiative; the creation of MIA Connections, an award-winning, interactive digital magazine; the construction of a Wall of Honor memorial for 119 fallen local military service personnel; Miami Begins with Me, an innovative customer service training curriculum in partnership with tourism professionals; and MIAmamas, a creative and comprehensive program for nursing mothers.

“We are extremely honored to receive this inaugural award from AAAE, which recognizes leadership in airport innovation – one of our most critical core values,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “Since being appointed Aviation Director in 2013, it has been one of my highest priorities to improve the passenger experience at MIA through advances in technology and outside-the-box ideas, along with developing a culture of innovation among our staff. This recognition from one of the aviation industry’s leading organizations, based on feedback from airport users, is proof-positive that we are moving in the right direction and making a difference with our customers.”

 As another sign of MIA’s commitment to innovation, the airport has also joined the Accelerator Airport Partner Program, which is an opportunity for leading airports to influence and drive innovation for the airport community through the Accelerator. MIA joins a growing list of airports committed to innovation that, through their Accelerator memberships, are well-positioned to drive cutting-edge innovation at their facilities and serve as a model for the entire aviation community. More information about the Accelerator Airport Partner Program is available online.

“The airport community is embracing and driving innovation like never before, and Miami International Airport under the leadership of Director Emilio González is a clear leader in the field,” AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli said. “The work that Emilio and his team have done to enhance the passenger experience at MIA is remarkable, and AAAE and the Airport Innovation Accelerator are pleased to recognize and celebrate their innovative approaches as a model for airports in the U.S. and around the globe.”

Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 5,500-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

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Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America’s second-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $33.7 billion annually and welcoming 70 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIA’s vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at www.MIAefficiency.com.