In this episode of ‘Sustainability in the Air’, Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), speaks with SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam, and shares her ambitious vision for transforming the airport into a sustainable aviation hub.
Since taking the helm in 2015, Cassotis has steered the airport towards groundbreaking initiatives in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, hydrogen development, and energy independence. Her approach demonstrates how airports can evolve from mere infrastructure providers to catalysts for industry-wide environmental innovation.
Here are the key highlights of the conversation:
Pittsburgh Airport’s transformation from hub to sustainability pioneer (2:55)
Building a sustainable business model (5:30)
Microgrid independence and energy innovation (12:50)
Creating multiple pathways for SAF production (15:55)
Hydrogen initiatives and ground operations (24:10)
Innovation through partnerships and testing (32:20)
A vision for regional sustainability (35:05)
Rapid Fire! (39:05)
Keep reading for a detailed overview of the episode.
Why airport-led sustainability innovation matters
Airports are uniquely positioned in the aviation ecosystem to drive sustainability initiatives for several compelling reasons, as demonstrated by PIT’s approach:
Airports possess extensive land assets that can be leveraged for renewable energy generation and sustainable fuel production. With PIT’s 3,500 hectares, the airport has found innovative ways to utilise this space beyond traditional aviation operations.
Airports also serve as natural congregation points for various stakeholders in the aviation industry – airlines, ground handlers, cargo operators, and passengers. This positioning enables them to influence sustainable practices across the entire value chain.
Airports can also serve as testing grounds for new technologies and processes due to their controlled environment and diverse operational requirements. This makes them ideal innovation hubs where solutions can be developed, tested, and scaled before wider industry adoption.
Moreover, as fixed infrastructure assets with long-term planning horizons, airports are well-positioned to make substantial investments in sustainability initiatives that might take years to fully realise. As Cassotis notes, “I believe that we’re a platform for businesses to do what they can to make the world a better place.”
5 takeaways from the conversation
1. Achieving energy independence through a Microgrid
PIT has achieved a remarkable first: becoming the world’s first major airport to operate completely off the grid.
Through a public-private partnership commissioned in 2021, the airport developed a microgrid combining natural gas with solar energy.
“We are 100 percent off the grid, and we have been for three years,” Cassotis proudly notes. “Everything, the terminal, the airfield, all 8,000 lights on that airfield – off the grid, 100 percent.”
The project’s success stems from Pittsburgh’s unique geological advantage – its location atop the Marcellus Shale, the largest natural gas deposit in the United States. The airport partnered with CNX to extract natural gas on-site through FAA-approved wells.
The project also made history by including the first solar facility in Pennsylvania permitted to be built on a landfill, paving the way for similar installations across the Commonwealth.
2. Developing multiple pathways for SAF
The airport’s SAF strategy encompasses three distinct pathways, leveraging Pittsburgh’s geographic and infrastructural advantages:
Exploring alcohol-to-jet technology using ethanol
Supporting 45V legislation for fugitive methane capture
Partnering with a DOE-patented scientist to test hydrothermal liquefaction, converting organic waste into aviation fuel.
Cassotis sees this multi-faceted approach as crucial for scaling SAF production: “Produce on-site, blend on-site and export... We have physical resources here… We’re perfectly positioned. So why wouldn’t we do this?”
The vision, however, isn’t without challenges. Cassotis acknowledges the uncertainties in regulations, pricing, and investment returns: “The biggest issue I see with SAF production everywhere is the uncertainty in the regulations… it’s a nascent industry.
However, she maintains that the industry doesn’t “have the luxury of waiting” and emphasises the importance of moving forward despite uncertainties.
3. Advancing Hydrogen technology for ground services
PIT’s commitment to alternative fuels extends beyond SAF to hydrogen technology, particularly for ground operations.
The airport is positioning itself as a regional hydrogen hub, taking advantage of potential legislative support through the 45V legislation that could establish a significant hydrogen hub in western Pennsylvania.
PIT's hydrogen strategy is multi-faceted, focusing on both infrastructure development and practical applications. The team is exploring distributed hydrogen solutions that could transform how hydrogen is produced and stored at airports. In collaboration with the scientist behind their hydrothermal liquefaction project, the airport has funded a year-long study to investigate innovative hydrogen production methods.
The airport also envisions becoming a hydrogen hub to support public transportation buses and other ground vehicles. Additionally, PIT recognises hydrogen’s vital role in SAF production:
“The reason we care about hydrogen is a) we’re a hub, and b) it’s a key input for SAF. If we can lower the cost of hydrogen, we can lower the cost of SAF,” Cassotis explains.
4. Creating an innovation ecosystem
PIT has transformed 10,000 square feet of terminal space into the xBridge, a testing ground for aviation innovation. This facility has already hosted trials for over 30 different companies and formed a formal agreement with International Airlines Group (IAG) for testing robotics and AI solutions. The initiative leverages Pittsburgh’s strengths in robotics and AI, particularly through collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University.
Cassotis approaches innovation pragmatically: “I always ask, what’s the ecosystem? What do we control, and what influences what we control?” This philosophy guides her approach to testing everything from new materials to operational processes.
She emphasises that innovation isn’t limited to a single department: “Throughout the organisation, air service development and maintenance is not up to a single department; it’s up to every single one of us.”
The airport sees itself as a convener and facilitator, sharing learnings and best practices across the industry while maintaining focus on core operations, says Cassotis.
5. Building a sustainable future through strategic infrastructure
PIT is set to unveil a new airport terminal in 2025, that embodies their sustainability commitment. The LEED Gold-certified facility will feature rainwater capture systems and incorporate recycled materials from the old infrastructure.
“We’ve planned outdoor terraces for the terminal, which will be irrigated using rainwater recaptured on site. We also removed the old ramp to make space for the new terminal, and the concrete from that ramp was crushed and repurposed as the base layer for the new roadway system,” explains Cassotis.
Looking ahead, Cassotis envisions Pittsburgh International Airport as a model for other airports:
“In five to ten years, we aim to be producing SAF at scale, exporting it through the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast... We want other airports with similar attributes to say, ‘Let’s learn from you!’”
‘Sustainability in the Air’ is the world’s leading podcast dedicated to sustainable aviation. Through in-depth conversations with top aviation leaders, we break through the clutter and provide a clear roadmap for a net-zero future.
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