Future-Proofing Airport Safety: Intersection of Innovation,...

Travis Krabbenhoft brings a dynamic 20 years of experience in airport operations and safety management, with a background in aeronautical sciences and certifications as a commercial pilot and a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Currently, he serves as the Director of Airport Safety and SMS Manager at Denver International Airport (DEN), overseeing the implementation and continuous improvement of our Safety Management System (SMS). His role includes developing and enforcing safety policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering a strong safety culture and leading initiatives that enhance operational safety across DEN’s expansive and complex environment. Involved in national policy discussions through the Core 30 Safety and Innovation Roundtable for Airports, Krabbenhoft collaborates with industry leaders, the FAA and airline partners to advance best practices for safety.

Through this article, Krabbenhoft emphasizes on the evolving landscape of airport safety and the critical role of innovation, regulation and professional development in shaping the future of the industry.

The Future is Now: Pioneering Predictive Safety with AI

Technology is playing an increasingly vital role in modernizing airport safety management. AI-powered analytics help identify safety trends and predict potential hazards before they become incidents. Biometrics improves access control, ensuring only authorized personnel enter restricted areas, reducing security risks. IoT devices, such as real-time environmental sensors and connected equipment, enhance situational awareness by providing instantaneous safety data to operators and decision-makers.

One of the most significant advancements is AI-powered camera systems, which are shifting airport safety from a reactive model—where incidents are investigated after they occur—to a proactive and predictive approach. Machine learning (ML) and AI-driven video analytics can now detect unsafe behaviors, vehicle congestion and potential hazards in real time, allowing for immediate corrective actions. By analyzing historical data, predictive AI can identify patterns that indicate increased risk, such as high-risk areas for vehicle collisions, frequent ground crew violations, or early signs of equipment failure.

At DEN, we are actively exploring these technologies to move from reactive risk management to proactive hazard prevention and, ultimately, to predictive safety solutions. By leveraging AI and ML, we can enhance decision-making, reduce human error and improve overall operational resilience.

Safety Meets Efficiency: Optimizing Airport Performance in the Age of Innovation

Safety and efficiency are not opposing forces; they must be integrated into a seamless strategy. A well-structured safety program prevents disruptions, reduces downtime and ultimately improves operational performance. At DEN, we leverage risk-based decision-making, ensuring safety enhancements are both practical and effective without hindering airport operations. Collaboration with airlines, ground handlers and regulatory agencies helps us develop solutions that prioritize safety while maintaining throughput and passenger experience. Our approach is to embed safety into daily workflows rather than treat it as a separate function.

Embedding Safety at Every Level: Training for Awareness and Risk Mitigation

Safety training is a cornerstone of our daily operations at DEN. Given the complexity and scale of airport activities, every employee, contractor and stakeholder must understand their role in maintaining a safe environment. To ensure a strong safety culture, we provide safety orientation to all DEN badge holders, ensuring that everyone who operates at the airport is aware of fundamental safety protocols and expectations. Additionally, we offer comprehensive safety training to individuals who have the authority to accept risk under our Safety Management System. This ensures that key decision-makers and individual contributors fully understand their responsibilities in hazard identification, risk mitigation and compliance with DEN’s safety policies.

We also conduct regular refresher courses, hands-on exercises and scenario-based training to reinforce safe practices and keep pace with evolving regulatory requirements. By integrating training into our daily operations, we empower employees to make informed safety decisions, including stop work authority, ultimately enhancing DEN's safety and efficiency.

“Stay curious, ask questions and never stop learning. Some of the most valuable insights I’ve gained have come from collaborating with professionals across different disciplines”

Anticipating Change: Navigating Emerging Regulations and Technologies in Airport Safety

The FAA’s SMS mandate for Part 139-certified airports is one of the most significant regulatory shifts in recent years, requiring airports to formalize safety programs. Over the next few years, we anticipate further SMS guideline refinement, focusing on data-sharing agreements, proactive hazard reporting and industry-wide collaboration. Beyond SMS, several emerging technologies and regulatory developments will significantly impact airport safety procedures:

● Autonomous Vehicles and Ground Support Equipment: As airports explore autonomous tugs, baggage carts and airside vehicles, safety regulations must adapt to accommodate their integration with traditional operations. Collision avoidance, cybersecurity and real-time monitoring will be key areas of regulatory focus.

● NFPA Regulations on Lithium-Ion Batteries: With the increasing adoption of electric ground support equipment, electric buses and energy storage systems, airports must adhere to evolving National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for lithium-ion battery storage, fire suppression and emergency response.

● eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) Operations: The anticipated rise of urban air mobility and eVTOL aircraft will require new FAA airspace integration policies, infrastructure updates and safety protocols for charging stations and vertiports.

● Cybersecurity and Safety Data Protection: As more AI-driven safety systems, IoT sensors and automated monitoring tools are deployed, protecting safety-critical data from cyber threats will become a top regulatory priority.

● Sustainable Aviation and Alternative Fuels: The shift toward sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), hydrogen-powered aircraft and other green initiatives will introduce new storage, handling and fire safety protocols that airports must incorporate into their SMS frameworks.

At DEN, we proactively engage with the FAA, industry partners and airports to prepare for these changes, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

Advice to Peers: Embrace Growth, Build Relationships and Seek Mentorship

My biggest piece of advice is to embrace opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. Take risks in your career, explore new areas and remain open to paths you may not have initially anticipated. I went to school to be a pilot and I never would have imagined that my career would lead me to where I am today—leading airport safety initiatives at one of the busiest airports in the world.

Building strong relationships is also crucial. Stay curious, ask questions and never stop learning. Some of the most valuable insights I’ve gained have come from collaborating with professionals across different disciplines. The aerospace and defense industry constantly evolves and being adaptable and engaged will help you stay ahead.

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek mentorship. Many experienced professionals in this industry are willing to share their knowledge and help guide the next generation. Whether through networking events, industry conferences, or simply reaching out for a conversation, mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and open doors you may not have considered.