ACRP IdeaHub Research Projects

The airport industry is very dynamic, due to changes in technology, regulations, and travel behavior.  Recognizing this, ACRP has developed a process for systematically reviewing its research products to identify those in need of update.  This proposed project would fund a review of ACRP's Policy & Planning products and conduct research to update those most in need of it.

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 »

Airport can support carbon reduction projects that support either aircraft fuel burn reduction or site-related emissions. This revenue could generate funding for airports and shift resources that are going to non-aviation carbon options.

Included in USDOT's Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) regulation (49 CFR Part 23) is the requirement for many airports to set ACDBE goals for participation in traditional concessions activities (such as food/beverage/retail) and non-traditional concessions activities such as car rental, advertising, internet access, cable television, and customer amenities. While the effort by airports to set... more »

Interstate certification regulations at 49 CFR Part 26.85 intend to reduce the burdens for DBEs to be certified in multiple states. However, the wide differences in implementation among certifiers and the multiplying effect of complying with information requests may actually result in an increased burden; impacting DBE resources and opportunities and USDOT recipients' attainment.

As air travel rebounds from the COVID pandemic, the aviation industry will again be under increasing public pressure (i.e. flight shaming) to decarbonize its operations to align with the global goal of "net zero carbon emissions by 2050." Some airports are already being asked by local officials, regulatory agencies, and NGOs to identify their planned strategies and milestones to meet this long-term target. The proposed... more »

Airports are collecting and processing a large amount of data from a traveler, including but not limited to personal identification, medical records (COVID-19 related), and biometric information. The guidebook intends to analyze the status quo of how US airports handle data privacy and to inform airport stakeholders of a comprehensive strategy to guide them towards better data privacy management.

Virtually building a "digital twin" of an airport is becoming increasingly popular by architects and engineers who need to more efficiently plan, design, and build; staff who need to effectively operate and maintain these complex facilities; and managers who constantly need to make informed decisions. The concepts behind a digital twin (e.g. graphical representation of facilities, recording current status of assets, systems... more »

For airports considering transitioning to electric equipment at Central Utility Plants to meet air quality regulations and sustainability goals, there is a need for a comprehensive evaluation of appropriate alternative technologies (including costs), retrofits needed, and strategies to minimize life cycle costs of new equipment. A model of potential energy, water, and greenhouse gas reductions is also needed to inform... more »

To improve the ACRP Airport Microgrid Implementation Toolkit ("the Toolkit") project funded through ACRP (ACRP 10-26: Airport Microgrid Implementation Toolkit)by updating cost and technology information and identifying a long-term host.

ACRP 10-26 generated a potentially unprecedented level of media and government interest in a TRB project including coverage in CNBC and a formal progress inquiry from Congress. Microgrids... more »

When a natural disaster or accident disrupts the airfield lighting and electrical system, the lack of staff or available local qualified airfield electricians may seriously delay the recovery of airfield operations. Airfield electrical systems are inherently dangerous; therefore, special training is required to maintain safely.

Small airports—that is, general aviation, non-hub, and small hub airports—can benefit significantly by integrating standard business planning with all aspects of resiliency planning.

Update the report to provide airports with the latest regulatory requirements, best practices, case studies, etc. for improving environmental management at small airports.

The data in the original report and supporting the tool is from 1990-2000, and airports need guidance and information based on the latest climate data to accurately assess risk and plan mitigation strategies. This research update idea was developed as part of project ACRP 11-02/39, Environmental Products Update and is one of the priorities identified by the research team and through industry outreach.

The original guidebook provides essential information to airports developing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories. However there have been a number of developments in methodology and resources available since original publication and an update is needed for this publication to remain relevant/useful. This research update idea was developed as part of project ACRP 11-02/39, Environmental Products Update and is one... more »