Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation, Houston Airport System, USA

Speaker Biograghy: Mario is responsible for the overall management of Houston Airport System’s three aviation facilities: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD). He is one of the industry’s leading authorities on future developments in commercial aviation. He was recently awarded the Aviation Director of the Year by ARN (Airport Revenue News). Mario was instrumental in the effort to establish regional international flight service at Hobby Airport, a goal that will be realised in 2015. He also welcomed the first Airbus A380 aircraft to operate regularly scheduled services in Texas, and played a key role in securing Turkish Airlines and Air China. Mario earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration in Finance degrees from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.


Day 1 - 25 March
Session:
Aviation Security, Border Control & Facilitation


15:15 - 15:40 - Automated passport control – a case study at Houston airports
Synopsis: As Aviation Director for the City of Houston, Mario Diaz has seen firsthand the processes associated with the implementation of an automated passport control (APC) system. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) began using the kiosk-based system for the processing of arriving international air passengers in January 2014, joining a handful of other US airports to employ the new technology in its earliest stages. APC kiosks gather and submit the passenger’s required information electronically through a simple scan of the passport, leading to a reduction in processing time of up to 40%. Diaz will provide a personalised view of the benefits and challenges associated with APC implementation.

Audience will learn:
Day 2 - 26 March
Session:
Commercial Development, Retail & Media


10:05 - 10:35 - Future of Commercial spaceflight in Houston
Synopsis: The City of Houston is moving forward in its drive to establish itself as the location for the ninth licensed commercial Spaceport operating in the United States. Ellington Airport would serve as the host airport facility for a Houston Spaceport, should the concept become realised. A Houston Spaceport would facilitate a variety of activities, including space vehicle assembly, microsatellite launches, space tourism and others. Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz will offer an in-depth account of where this exciting industry is heading in the future, and what elements are required for airport facilities looking to play a leading role in the advancement of 21st century commercial spaceflight operations.

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