Mike Nakornkhet
Mike Nakornkhet is Denver International Airport’s (DEN) chief financial officer and executive vice president. His team is responsible for managing DEN’s annual budget totaling more than US$1.7bn and overseeing DEN’s US$7bn debt portfolio. Nakornkhet recently led the effort to expand DEN’s capital improvement plan to span more than 10 years and capture infrastructure needs as the airport ascends towards 100 million passengers. In 2023, Nakornkhet was named the ACI-NA finance professional of the year.
Day -
3 - Airport business – leadership and strategy - 09:05 - 09:50
Panel discussion: A megatrends mindset – what keeps airports up at night?
As the world undergoes rapid transformations driven by factors such as climate change, technological innovation, and economic and geopolitical shifts, it is imperative that airports anticipate and address the implications of these megatrends on aviation infrastructure and operations. Without proactive measures, airports and the aviation industry risk facing disruptions that could compromise the safety of aviation operations and the freedom of movement for travelers. Cybersecurity threats, operational disruptions and achieving sustainability goals amidst increasing regulatory pressures are too real. This panel provides an airport and technology/academic perspective on the challenges of megatrends that keep airport executives up at night.
The audience will learn:
- Digital integration: As airports embrace digital integration, AI and automation transform operational efficiency and the passenger experience
- Sustainable and responsible growth: DEN's vision to accommodate 100 million passengers in the context of environmental stewardship
- Changing demographics: Demographic shifts also necessitate inclusive designs to accommodate different age groups, travel purposes and accessibility needs
- Capital investment: Investments being made at DEN and SFO are futureproofing their infrastructures to stay competitive and resilient
- Build trust: Proactive governance, such as SFO's community noise and air quality monitoring systems, builds trust and fosters collaboration
