ACRP IdeaHub Synthesis Topics

The objective of this research is to create a database of performance benchmarks for airport facilities. Airport staff need a better understanding of key operational metrics associated with building performance in order to improve efficiency, decrease operating costs, and reduce environmental impacts. A standard system which normalizes for weather, location, carbon intensity of utility supplied energy, and airport specific... more »

Airports have been using the Internet of Things to become more connected and offer enhanced customer service logistics as smart airports. This synthesis would document the state of the industry with regard to the application of smart airport technologies and lessons learned from current adopters.

ACRP Synthesis 11-03/Topic S01-21 (The Benefits of Airport Arts Programs) provides an exhaustive analysis of current practices related to airport arts programs; the Synthesis identifies many tools that airports use to govern such programs and to manage them efficiently and economically. It was, however, beyond the scope of Synthesis 11-03/Topic S01-21 to provide an in depth analysis of precisely how these tools are used... more »

By understanding what other airports are doing in the very wide subject area of sustainability, it may spur airports to try different means of conserving energy, recycling materials, or otherwise improving its sustainability practices. By looking not only at the practices, but the results, the challenges to implementation, and the costs of implementation, airports will be provided with guidance to improve their practices... more »

The purpose of this project is to provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of the current status of adopting passenger loyalty programs by the primary hub airports of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).

The Covid-19 Pandemic has had a more deleterious effect on the worldwide aviation system than anything that has come since the Wright Brothers first set wing to wind in the early 1900's, eclipsing even the impacts associated with the September 11th attacks in 2001. The governmental guidelines (in some municipalities, stated as requirements), for physical distancing (the now-infamous six-foot rule), may work manually and... more »

The synthesis would collect and present best practices developed by airports to protect the public and the airport workers (incl. tenants and stakeholders) from COVID-19. The domain of the study includes the landside (esp. how to ensure consistency between airport and mass transit, TNCs, etc.), the terminal area (incl. the restricted access areas), and the airside (ramp and airfield workers).

Some major U.S. airports have train service that brings airport passengers and employees to and from the airport terminal while delegating passengers and employees who use the public bus to the peripheral. Many airport passengers and employees must then use an airport shuttle system to access the public bus station or curbside airport terminal. Airports of moderate size may have public bus stations within a safe walking... more »