Samuel G. Ingalls has worked in the industry for more than three decades, successfully concluding a management internship role at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, then spending the last 31 years playing a leadership role at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. He recently retired as it’s Assistant Director of Aviation, Information Systems, having overseen all technology throughout the five-airport system.
During his tenure with the airport system, Ingalls has worked to usher in many innovative systems, and in recognition of the success of various projects, Ingalls was named a Computerworld-Smithsonian Laureate for technological innovation in the transportation industry. He plays a leadership role in the industry, with work on behalf of Airports Council International (ACI), where he has chaired of the Business Information Technology (BIT) Committee on several occassions, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for America (A4A). In that regard, Ingalls has served as the elected airport representative of IATA’s Passenger Experience Management Group, having chaired the Common Use Working Group (CUWG) involving more than 100 airlines, airports and vendors from around the world. He also worked to innovate on the baggage side of the business, playing a key role in setting the standard for RFID chips in bag tags, and successfully implementing that technology. He is published frequently and speaks around the world on aviation technology.
Ingalls earned a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (where he continues service on the University Business Industry Advisory Board), as well as having been certified as an International Airport Professional (I.A.P.) by the International Civil Aviation Organization and ACI. He is also an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), as conferred by the American Association of Airport Executives. He is a frequent user of the aviation system, holding a commercial multi-engine pilot’s rating.
