As a tech community we all rely a lot on the ease of air travel, and the first part of that is our local Austin Bergstrom International Airport. On this episode of Austin Tech Connect we hear from Rick Belliotti, the Deputy Chief Officer- Information Technology at ABIA, Rick ir relatively new to Austin, but has spent a lifetime in the tech side of the "Airport Business". He will share his career journey as well as give us a look behind the curtain of the world of "Airport Tech". About Rick Belliotti

Rick Belliotti is currently the Acting Chief Performance and Experience Officer and Deputy Chief Officer, Information Technology (CTO/CIO) for Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Mr. Belliotti has worked in various capacities in the aviation industry since 2001, as a consultant, an airport operator, and a solution provider. Mr. Belliotti’s expertise is in bringing people together to achieve common visions and goals. Mr. Belliotti was instrumental in bringing to life the Airport Innovation Lab at San Diego, enabling innovators to create solutions for the airport industry, and forever changing the way that innovation was done in airports. Prior to joining the City of Austin, Mr. Belliotti served as CIO at San Diego International Airport, and led various departments, including IT, business development, small business development, and the arts program.

About Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is owned by the City of Austin and operated by the Department of Aviation. The airport is self-sustaining and generates revenue to cover operating costs. What was once the site for the Bergstrom Air Force Base, the federally-owned property was transformed into a commercial airport with the opening of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on May 23, 1999 replacing the former, smaller Austin Robert Mueller Municipal airport. Since then, AUS has connected more Austin and Central Texas travelers to the world all while providing a uniquely authentic Austin experience to every customer that travels through the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Known for live music, local concession brands, and Texas hospitality, AUS prides itself on reflecting the culture and values of the community it serves.

The airport’s overall estimated economic impact on the Central Texas region is $7.6 billion, supporting 74,000 jobs (source: TxDOT 2018 Economic Impact), 6% of the total jobs in the Austin MSA. In 2023, AUS projects to serve a record-breaking 22 million annual passengers, more than a quarter increase in total annual travelers since the world’s pre-pandemic benchmark year of 2019. To address the rapid pace of passenger and airline activity, AUS has launched the Journey With AUS airport expansion and development program, multi-year capital improvement and development effort that will improve and modernize AUS facilities in the near-term and for generations to come.