ACRP IdeaHub Research Projects

Demonstrate an autonomous system that meets flight requirements for

small airports and commercial operators.

Guidance on holisitic master planning that goes beyond just future

facility and infrastructure that includes the sub categories such as IT,

Operations, Security and Maintenance as examples. It would also provide guidance on how to develop a "plan" for the ancillary operating areas and how important components may be rolled into a true master plan

Conduct research to update the state-of-the-science regarding the feasibility of reducing or eliminating noise in communities from aircraft departures, specifically behind the start of takeoff roll, with active noise reduction technology.

ACRP Report 157 (Improving the Airport Customer Experience)(2017) found that airport arts programs play an important role in improving the customer experience at airports and that airports with such arts programs are among the most highly rated airports in the world. ACRP Synthesis 11-03/Topic S01-21 (The Benefits of Airport Arts Programs) surveyed and synthesized the the state of practice of airport rotating visual art... more »

Develop a guidebook that would assist airports and other aviation analysts become familiar with the different sources of data that are available to support analyses and forecasts of air passenger travel. Provide guidance on which types of data are appropriate for use in a given study, understand the strengths and limitations of the different potential data sources, and estimate the likely costs involved in their use.

The objective of this research is to provide a resource for state aviation agencies to identify and implement project prioritization methods that would be effective and appropriate for their agency.

Airports can play a meaningful role advancing the Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF) adoption. One key area is understanding SAJF infrastructure needs. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has demonstrated leadership along with partners Alaska Airlines and Boeing by pursuing an "Aviation Biofuels Infrastructure Feasibility Study." In 2018, San Francisco International Airport is poised to issue an RFP to identify... more »

SkyDome offers airborne awareness in all weather conditions for enhanced collision avoidance at airports. The autonomous operating solution does not require a man-in-the-loop, although remote access for authorized personell from the cloud is available. The primary purpose is to detect and alert pilots about airborne objects in their flight path (landing and take-off) that are difficult to see with the naked eye (example:... more »

Blockchain technology (e.g., open source Enterprise Ethereum) can be used as a vendor neutral integration layer to secure IoT devices to prevent malicious attacks, enable myriad IoT devices installed at the airports to work together in concert to unlock new value creation between different parties, and reward IoT operators for the value produced by data.

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.

Airport forecasting and planning has tended to focus on gradual and incremental change (rising traffic levels as the economy grows), but it is arguable that infrequent one-off events (COVID-19, 9/11, etc.) have had as much impact on airport development as macroeconomic conditions.

The objective of this research is to specifically address how airports can incorporate large-scale, unpredictable shock events into traffic... more »

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

The proposed research will extend the findings of previous ACRP research to describe how changes in air service connectivity will effect regional economic development. A spreadsheet model, workbook and user guide will be developed from this research for use by airports, state aviation agencies and, in addition, by regional planning and economic development organizations to allow economic benefits of improved air service... more »

Air cargo is vital part of supply chain for many companies and cities. Air cargo carries about 35% contribution in value terms of the world's cargo, only 1% in volume, yet many airports, especially in the USA, still do not have modern technology such as Cargo Community Systems, material handling systems in warehouses, and airports designed to move cargo, including e-commerce cargo, at the same speed and efficiency as... more »

Flight shaming, a social pressure more common in Europe, may gain traction in the United States under a new administration focused on environmental sustainability. With air travel for tourism being the main target, the flight shaming movement could ultimately negatively impact air service and economic recovery, especially in small communities. Airports that have historically relied on the leisure traveler to boost passenger... more »