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.

The "touchless journey" results in significant changes that have been long-coming, but is now on an accelerated path resulting from the pandemic. Depending on the nature of the individual, new (especially technology) solutions bring both satisfaction and fear - all of which bring out a growing need for research and guidance on cultural and social behavioral shifts.

Research is recommended to see how to better capture benefits stemming from proposed projects when conducting BCAs for GA airports.

ACI and IATA recently issued guidance on restarting the aviation industry post-COVID-19. However, there is currently no single measure that could mitigate all the risks of restarting air travel. ACI and IATA suggest that an effective implementation should be an outcome based and layered approach, and a range of measures as the most effective way of balancing risk mitigation with the need to unlock economies and to enable... 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 »

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.

Airport employees face many challenges that can create stress, and if employee stress levels are not addressed, employee health and well-being suffers. While many airports do offer employee well-being programs to address these stress and health needs, additional research is needed to ensure that the well-being programs meet the needs of all employees (e.g., varying shifts, generational differences) and that the outcomes... more »

The purpose of this research is to support the airport industry in building a pipeline of talent that will result in skilled, long-tenured airport employees. This will be accomplished through a focus on recruitment and hiring practices that improve awareness of the industry, increase the number of interested and qualified applicants, and focus on increasing diversity and inclusion within the workforce pipeline.

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.

The proposed research is designed to develop a comprehensive series of awards to recognize the achievement of individuals who have studied and mastered specific topical ACRP Reports, related Syntheses, webcasts, and other materials. Participants are recognized through a system of badges, medallions, and certificates. This program loosely emulates the iconic Boy Scout/Girl Scout Merit Badge programs.

Airports need to build resilience and understand the potential long term impacts of climate change. However, they bump up against costs of implementing projects with resilience elements because there is little aviation specific data regarding the return of investment of such projects and the overall financial risks of climate change. Additionally, as insurance and the availability to retain loans gets more in line with... more »

The purpose of this idea is to engage in a research process to develop an airport industry Guidebook and Toolkit on topics related to implementing a positive culture and enhancing the employee experience within airports. The end product would be a set of user-friendly products to guide airports in enhancing their culture and employee experience to improve retention.

Airports are increasingly interested in bringing multi-discipline subject matter experts together in a common environment to improve collaborative decision making during regular and irregular operations. Guidance on how to plan and design for these centers is needed.

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 »