ACRP IdeaHub Research Projects

Determine uniform certification standards in DBE/ACDEBE certification programs between airports and other local entities to ensure a smooth process and better understanding of the requirements.

This project aims to address passengers' arrival patterns at airports through analyzing accessible information in order to provide an informed guidance for the resource planning of public airports in the U.S.

A research paper and computational model is needed to help airports thoroughly look at financial decisions for new infrastructure that result in improved processing rates, increasing non‐aeronautical revenue justifications, prioritizing gating requests that match with changes in airline network models, creating the best financial return for all parties, and improves the overall satisfaction of passengers (check‐in, security... more »

There is a potentially a gap between airport capacity (e.g., runways, gates) and the increased capacity brought about by the satellite-based, digital infrastructure being implemented. Identifying the gaps between these two capacities and solutions to fill them will help decision makers be more effective in making wise investment decisions so that future airport and ANSP initiatives to increase capacity are more cost-effective... more »

Research is needed to determine if HDPE systems provide the longevity and environmental improvements for airport fueling systems. . HDPE piping is found in nearly 90% of municipal European piping systems versus less than 10% of municipal piping systems in the United States. Research is needed to determine if HDPE systems provide the longevity and environmental improvements for airport fueling systems and reduce the... more »

Guidance for general aviation airports completing socioeconomic impact studies.

Multidiscipline collaboration within the aviation industry must be aircraft centric in order to be efficient, effective, and progressive in the technological era in which we are living. The implementation of advancements in aircraft technology leads the required physical infrastructure and public policy to accommodate the technology. This synopsis explains how potential aircraft advancements and the exchange of data... more »

Develop guidance for airports on contracting and managing effective airport insurance services. The guidance should include practices airports can adopt to include insurance as a risk mitigation approach within an SMS.

To develop a comprehensive resource on the safe handling and cost effective removal of hazardous waste material during airports projects. The report will examine ways to identify the waste, evaluate its impact on environment, construction cost and schedule. The report will augment existing industry standard guidelines established by EPA.

The objective of this applied project is to demonstrate the cost

effective utility and implementation of advanced surveillance, sensing,

or sequencing systems for terminal air traffic services.

Examine the degree to which airline cost at airports influence airline decisions.

The Concessions industry has evolved greatly over the past decade. The volume of ACDBE's, Concessionaires, and lines of business have grown significantly. Each Airport has developed programs differently. Understanding the economics of the Concessionaires (living wages, pricing models, operational costs, etc.) as well as Airports (pouring rights, leasing structures, CRDC's, etc.) is critical to Commercial Management.... more »

Perhaps one of the greatest untapped resources available for understanding the challenges of managing airports can be found among the many senior and retired airport leaders. There needs to be an opportunity to assemble the collective wisdom of these successful leaders and to share their insights and experiences gained during their careers.

A multilateral instrument granting, among other rights, up to and including the 7th freedom traffic right for all-cargo services would provide air carriers the flexibility to develop more profitable routes that serve a larger variety of airports. This could provide significant investment opportunities for airports and enable them to better position themselves for integration into the global supply chain.

Project Management Offices (PMOs) are a well-established concept in Project Management literature and they are widespread across much of the private and public sectors. However, the establishment of PMOs (particularly, enterprise PMOs or EPMOs) at US airports – many of which are local government entities – have traditionally lagged behind their contemporaries. Although some PMOs currently exist at US airports, they are... more »