Powering progress through technology
Clark County Department of Aviation’s strategic use of technology is redefining the passenger experience and operational resilience
By Rishma Khimji, Chief Information Technology Officer | Clark County Department of Aviation
As the gateway to everything there is to love about Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is often a traveler’s first and last impression of the region. Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA), the owner and operator of LAS and four General Aviation airports, embraces that responsibility through a deliberate, forward-looking approach to modernization. By integrating technology into every layer of its operations and decision-making, CCDOA is positioning itself — and LAS — for a resilient and dynamic future.
Technology is central to CCDOA’s ability to reimagine how passengers experience the airport. From the moment guests arrive to the time they board, technology is shaping a journey that is faster, more intuitive and more responsive to real-time conditions. This focus on technology as a service enabler — not just a background function — has positioned the organization as an industry leader in technological advancements.
CCDOA is applying its approach to technology across five key areas — governance, data, automation, security, and organizational structure — to deliver a smarter, more seamless airport experience. Through these efforts, the organization is not only optimizing operations but also setting a new standard for how technology can shape the future of aviation.
Aligning organizational structure with strategic technology goals
CCDOA’s decision to realign the information systems division was designed to embed technology into the broader operational planning process. The information systems division was divided into two specialized teams: operations and strategy. This enabled managing directors to focus deeply on their respective functions, improving oversight and aligning day-to-day execution with long-term goals.
In parallel, CCDOA rebranded an internal group as the Enterprise Systems and Applications (ESA) team — tasked with evaluating and supporting enterprise-level solutions that meet the airport’s evolving needs. This structure, with support from the project management office, enables CCDOA to thoroughly assess proposed technologies against defined success metrics and partner with solution providers who bring long-term value. This alignment between structure and strategy laid the foundation for the governance models and innovation efforts that followed.
Governance as a foundation for innovation
Once the most effective structure was put into place, CCDOA turned its attention to developing a strong governance framework to guide all technology decisions. Every solution is evaluated not just for its capabilities, but for its ability to align with CCDOA’s values, risk profile and long-term objectives. Without strong governance, innovation can become fragmented and, with the right guardrails, it becomes sustainable progress.
The department’s cybersecurity team plays a key role in shaping this strategy. In addition to protecting critical systems, the team helps develop compliance and accountability frameworks that strengthen organizational readiness. From ensuring data integrity to supporting rapid recovery during disruptions, governance gives CCDOA the ability to adapt with confidence.
"From the moment guests arrive to the time they board, technology is shaping a journey that is faster, more intuitive and more responsive to real-time conditions."
Using data to orchestrate efficiency
Governance also ensures that CCDOA is making the most of its data — applying insights to optimize operations in real time. A core focus has been improving how passengers and aircraft move.
Bolstering these efforts is a new surface area management system that helps streamline aircraft turnaround times. Drawing on data from airfield monitoring tools, airline schedules and gate management systems, the platform supports smarter gate assignments and better coordination across airport teams. This system enables real-time decision-making, allowing for dynamic adjustments to gate assignments and resource allocation, which is crucial during peak travel times or unforeseen disruptions. By integrating various data sources, the system enhances situational awareness and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to reduced delays and improved passenger satisfaction.
Together, these technologies reflect CCDOA’s holistic view of operations — using data to optimize movement, reduce delays and enhance collaboration across the airport ecosystem.
Automation that empowers teams
Building on this foundation of insight, CCDOA is promoting AI adoption across operational units in ways that empower its workforce and enhance responsiveness. Through “lunch and learn” sessions, staff are introduced to AI concepts and encouraged to explore how automation can support their work. Follow-up workshops will provide space for frontline teams to share ideas for practical implementation — ensuring each solution reflects real operational needs.
Whether supporting predictive insights or streamlining administrative tasks, AI is helping teams work more effectively and make better-informed decisions. These efforts are anchored in a robust governance framework that ensures AI usage remains secure, ethical and strategically aligned.
Modernizing airport security through intelligent systems
One area where automation and governance intersect is airport security. In partnership with its internal security division, CCDOA is implementing AI-driven camera analytics that can identify unusual movement patterns based on established norms. This added layer of intelligence supports faster, more focused responses without replacing human oversight.
By integrating smart technologies into its security posture, CCDOA enhances safety while maintaining an efficient, unobtrusive experience for passengers.
From modernization to momentum
Each of CCDOA’s technology initiatives — whether focused on passenger experience, operational coordination or AI integration — advances a unified vision: to operate an airport that is efficient, secure and ready for what’s next.
With a clear governance framework, a strategic approach to modernization and a culture of collaboration, CCDOA continues to elevate the role of technology in aviation. The organization’s efforts are not just transforming how the airport functions today — they are building the foundation for sustained excellence and adaptability in the years ahead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rishma Khimji
Chief Information Technology Officer
Clark County Department of Aviation
Rishma Khimji is the Chief Information Technology Officer for the Clark County Department of Aviation. She oversees technology strategy and innovation at Harry Reid International Airport, ensuring that emerging technologies drive operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience.