Speaker

Biography

 Connecting AI Opportunities at Airports Panel

Hana Galal brings 15 years of global sustainability experience and a specialized understanding of the field. Currently at Airbiz, she leads Canadian sustainability projects and supports master planning and apron efficiency projects for clients across North America and Oceania. A skilled project manager, she integrates cross-disciplinary insights to deliver impactful outcomes and is trusted as a government liaison, employee communicator, and Board presenter. Previously, as Manager of Sustainability & Planning at Edmonton Airports, she developed the airport's first Sustainability Report, launched the corporate sustainability program, and oversaw the Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and Business Planning process. Her broader experience includes climate analysis with the United Nations and global happiness research. Hana holds a Master's in Resource Management and Environmental Studies from UBC, with a focus on multi-criteria decision analysis for sustainable municipal infrastructure. Committed to using sustainability to serve the greater good, she supports aviation's role in fostering global collaboration. Hana was elected to the ACI-NA OPSID Steering Committee and in 2022 was recognized by Leading Ladies of Aerospace for her advocacy for women. She is also a member of the IATA ADRM Sustainability Working Group.

 Connecting AI Opportunities at Airports Panel

Dustin Froese combines his architecture and construction background with his enthusiasm for technology to deliver sophisticated solutions to today's airport problems. Dustin's methodology includes visionary forward thinking strategy tempered by pragmatic business cases to ensure all planning ambitions are visionary yet wise.

 Connecting AI Opportunities at Airports Panel

Derek Froese is an entrepreneur, business technology afficionado, speaker, and tech nerd. He founded Koala Technology in 2015 to improve the relationship clients have with their technology, and to transform technology from a necessary function into a growth catalyst. The Koala Tech team helps businesses identity and execute Digital Adoption and AI initiatives to accelerate their corporate goals and strategies. The IT engineering team can also remind you to try turning it off-and-on-again.

 Connecting AI Opportunities at Airports Panel

Louis Nastro is currently Director of Solutions for Oxa which develops industrial mobility autonomy software. He has over 20 years of experience in hardware and software development and leads multi-disciplinary technical and business teams in implementing complex solutions for a variety of diverse use cases, most recently in automating cargo movements in airports, passenger shuttles and industrial applications. Prior to Oxa, Louis was Director of Autonomous Vehicle Strategy at Trimble Navigation where he led the Land Solutions Business developing localization and perception solutions for a number of clients in complex operating environments which included ports, mining and military applications.

 Connecting AI Opportunities at Airports Panel

 Sam Hajjar's professional experience spans over 33 years (25 at Brock Solutions) and includes serving in roles that cover key account leadership, project management, and hands-on specialty engineering work on numerous incubator AI projects that cover a broad spectrum of industrial market sectors. As a Client Leader, Sam works directly with stakeholders to help them stay ahead of the innovation and technology curve and map strategies for capital-grade, multi-year automation controls and software transformation programs.

IAAE Canada AGM

Terry Bos joined the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation in February 1999, bringing essential business expertise to guide its transition to private ownership. Recognized for his value, Terry received multiple promotions, becoming CEO in 2010. Under his leadership, the airport experienced significant growth, with passenger levels doubling from 2010 to 2017. Terry's contributions extended to professional organizations like AMCO and IAAE Canada, where he served as President and held key positions. Throughout his career, Terry Bos has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the aviation industry and advancing airport management.

Accreditation Presentation- Next-Gen AI for Transforming Airport Safety & Operations

Dennis Rajasekar is an aviation professional, project manager, SMS manager, and business advisor with over 11 years of experience in airport safety, security, operations, emergency management, and AI driven solutions. With a background in Aeronautical Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, and Aviation Management, he has worked extensively in SMS, regulatory compliance, and aviation technology innovation. Starting his career as a Georgian College co-op student at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Dennis has since contributed to 44 airports across Canada, holding roles at Nav Canada, two international airports, one regional airport, and multiple northern airports. His expertise spans runway rehabilitation, emergency coordination, SMS implementation, manual development & execution, and compliance audits. His work as a Project Consultant, SMS Manager, and Airport Duty Manager has deepened his understanding of both southern and northern airport challenges. Currently, as a Business Advisor & Co-Founder at Wavionix, Dennis has designed the blueprint for an AI-powered airport enterprise software integrating geo-fencing, predictive analytics, ESRI driven maps, email integration, mass communication, crowd sourcing and real-time operational intelligence. With PMP, IACE, and CM certifications from AAAE & IAAEC, his mission is to equip Gen Z & Alpha aviation professionals with the data, reasoning, and insights necessary to make informed decisions, avoid past inefficiencies, and take bold strides toward a safer, more efficient aviation future.

GTAA Sustainability Projects

Todd Ernst is Director Energy and Environment at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA). His responsibilities include the environment and climate change programs as well as operation and maintenance of the airport utilities and 117MW cogeneration facility. In his past role at the GTAA, Todd has also had responsibility for the maintenance of the airfield electrical systems and vehicle fleet. Todd leads the GTAA's effort to become net zero GHG by 2050. This includes adoption of clean energy sources ranging from renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, thermal heat pumps and low carbon hydrogen. The low carbon hydrogen strategy includes Ontario's first 350 and 700 bar publicly accessible hydrogen fill station located at Toronto Pearson. The GTAA is also actively studying the potential for hydrogen flight, large-scale hydrogen supply and distribution as well as piloting on-the-ground applications for hydrogen where battery technology does not perform as well. Prior to joining the GTAA Todd's career spanned roles in environment, energy and finance in both industry and consulting. This includes environmental process engineer with a large integrated pulp and paper facility, finance role in pharmaceutical and retail, internal audit, governance and sustainability reporting advisory work with Ernst & Young and leadership of the industrial energy conservation programs services at a boutique consulting firm, Clearesult. Todd also serves as co-chair of the Executive Committee at Partners in Project Green, Canada's largest eco-business zone.

State of the Industry  

Chris Phelan is Senior Vice President, Policy, Industry and Government Affairs for the Canadian Airports Council (CAC). Previous to this role, Chris was the vice president of aviation security and industry affairs. He oversaw airport security policy and regulations for passengers and cargo, international air policy and other issues affecting airport security and facilitation. In addition to these duties, he also served as committee secretary to the CAC's Small Airports Caucus and the Security Committee. Prior to joining the CAC in June 2011, Chris worked as a consultant for an Ottawa-based government relations and public affairs firm. There he provided political, strategic and public policy advice to clients on a wide variety issues, including product defense, intellectual property and copyright legislation, electronic product stewardship, and energy transportation and generation. Chris is a graduate of the University of King's College, where he earned an honours degree in political science and history. He also holds a master's degree in political science from Northeastern University.