Changed
Changed
Meet Wendy and Cadel, two year 12 students whose keen interest in aviation recently landed them at Brisbane Airport as part of the...
Meet Melissa Taggart – one of the captains driving the Future BNE transformation at Brisbane Airport. As the International Terminal Manager, Melissa oversees a complex balancing act involving everything from managing teams to coordinating the operation through construction projects, all while ensuring there are no interruptions to Brisbane’s flights across the globe.
Managing an airport terminal is about much more than keeping flights on time and seeing millions of passengers safe on their journey. Melissa’s responsibilities stretch far and wide – “one of the many things I do is look after any of the construction that’s going on within the terminal,” she explains.
Future BNE is Brisbane Airport’s major transformation over the next decade, which will create jobs and change the way passengers travel – and Melissa is playing a pivotal role in its implementation.
Melissa plays an important role in communicating operational expertise to vital stakeholders and ensuring that safety, innovation, and convenience are at the forefront of any new implementations.
In addition to managing brick and mortar projects, Melissa manages people too. Her role keeps her in constant contact with a diverse range of stakeholders. “My role encompasses engaging the stakeholders that are involved; airlines, ground handlers, security screening contractors and border agencies,” she says.
What’s the impact of Melissa’s role? She plays an essential part in many of the high touchpoint areas you experience as a traveller, such as the check-in process, security screening, boarding gate procedures, and much more. Melissa coordinates with all the stakeholders required in putting these pieces together to create the International Terminal passenger journey.
With over 16 years of airport industry experience, working on airline teams before taking her strategic thinking to airport operational teams, she’s handled tasks and challenges that go far beyond the typical nine to five.
Melissa contributes to long-term strategic planning and provides operational input to different airport parties about what will and won’t work on a tactical level. Acting as a conduit, she then communicates strategic concepts and planned implementations to significant stakeholders such as airlines and Government agencies.
“I act as the subject matter expert, feeding in all the operational requirements on behalf of airlines, stakeholders, ground handlers, and government agencies. I sit down with them, I collaborate, listen to their feedback, listen to their requirements, and what their passengers and their customers need,” Melissa explains.
Reflecting on her career, Melissa shares how her role has evolved over the years, “I’ve been lucky enough, given the 16 years that I’ve worked in the industry, to really see technology, innovation, and process changes evolve over time… aviation is one of those industries that’s constantly evolving,” Melissa says.
For Melissa, no two days look the same. It’s a blend of both tried-and-true processes and brand-new innovation. She’s not only the eyes and ears of the International Terminal, but also one of the driving forces behind its growth. With expansion plans on the horizon, managing increases of passengers, retailers, and airlines is a welcome challenge that is embraced with enthusiasm.
Melissa gets a front-row seat to the comings and goings of travellers from around the globe, experiencing a slice of their journeys right alongside them.
“People are experiencing new and exciting times, and you get to see that as they come through the door. You get to see them go on their journey and you can really feel the excitement in the terminal,” Melissa shares.
The role of the International Terminal Manager is more than just a career – it’s a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in many people’s lives. Every day Melissa sees the anticipation of adventure within the terminal experience that she plays a role in implementing. “I feel really lucky to do a job like this,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Melissa and the International Terminal team are excited about what’s to come. With Brisbane Airport set for expansion, Melissa’s responsibilities and the roles of the team are sure to grow even further.
In the end, Melissa’s journey at Brisbane Airport is much like the journeys of the travellers she sees – a constant adventure filled with unexpected moments and rewarding experiences.
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