Chris Czarnecki, Director, PDX Terminal Business and Properties Department, Port of Portland, USA

Speaker Biograghy: Chris manages the business and leasing within the PDX terminal, including the concession programme, airlines and rental cars, representing over US$130m in Port revenues. The team is also responsible for sponsoring major PDX terminal capital improvement projects. Prior to his current role, Chris spent 12 years with Southwest Airlines, primarily as a Facilities Project Manager and Manager of Airport Affairs and Properties. He has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where he majored in Occupational Safety, and a Master’s degree specialising in Airport Management and Development from the Florida Institute of Technology.


Day 1 - 20 March
Session: Customer Service & Passenger Experience

12:00 - 12:30 - What makes a best-in-class airport?
Synopsis: Annual 'best airport' rankings (for example, J.D. Power, Conde Nast and Skytrax) feature a diverse range of airports. Furthermore, many airports consistently rank as 'best in class' every year. How can airports that are seemingly so different consistently rank as best in class? We will explore the breadth of characteristics of best-in-class airports, from Singapore Changi Airport to Portland International Airport. The Port of Portland will discuss specific strategies it uses to ensure PDX’s programmes and investments preserve and enhance its best-in-class status.

Audience will learn: