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Innovation in Action: Empowering Airports and Partners Together

 

 

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Welcome to ACT!

The Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) is AAAE’s innovation program that unites airports and corporate partners to address aviation’s most pressing challenges through collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. By fostering a collaborative forum for sharing insights, experiences, and progress on innovative initiatives, ACT transforms collective knowledge into national resources that advance the entire aviation industry.

ACT CEO Steering Group

The ACT CEO Steering Group, composed of executives from participating ACT airports, provides strategic guidance for the program. These leaders advise on where ACT should focus its time and resources to develop meaningful resources for the industry. They also encourage their staff to participate in ACT initiatives and share feedback that helps shape collective outcomes. The group meets annually in person during AAAE’s Annual Conference.

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ACT Co-Chairs Chad Makovsky, A.A.E., IACE, Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, and Chris McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, facilitate the ACT CEO Steering Group meeting in conjunction with AAAE’s 97th Annual Conference & Exposition. 
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Airport directors from across the country convened in Atlanta to discuss innovation priorities and help guide the future direction of the ACT program. Pictured left to right: Chad Makovsky, A.A.E., IACE; Chris McLaughlin; John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports; Jesús Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System; and Phillip Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Denver International Airport. 
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Mukesh Patel, C.M., Director of Aviation at San Jose Mineta International Airport, and Harry Barrett, A.A.E., Executive Director of Palm Springs International Airport, joined their industry peers for a discussion on the innovation challenges facing their airports 
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Atif Saeed, A.A.E., Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia International Airport and Chad Newton, A.A.E., Chief Executive Officer, Wayne County Airport Authority, participate in the latest ACT CEO Steering Group meeting.
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Jessica Dunn, Global Technology Officer at EY, addresses the audience on technology, innovation, and collaboration

Driving Innovation At Airports Nationwide

Evolving from the Airport Innovation Accelerator, the Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) was launched to address pressing industry challenges—many of which were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, ACT serves as a comprehensive innovation lab focused on eight key areas of transformation, offering airports multiple pathways to engage and collaborate.

Innovation at ACT extends far beyond research. Through hands-on innovation events, members experience emerging technologies in action at airport facilities and participate in real-world pilot projects that test and refine new solutions. 

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Past Events

ACT Joby Event - Group Shot

ACT Air Mobility Showcase: Joby Aviation Open House

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ACT LAX Sustainability and Innovation Tour

ACT LAX Sustainability and Innovation Tour

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ACT Waymo PHX Event

ACT PHX/Waymo Workshop

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ACT NREL Workshop

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LinkedIn Insights

 

 

ACT Program Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Leveraging AI technologies to optimize airport operations and improve decision-making processes.

Airport Digitization

Airport Digitization

Embracing technology to enhance airport operations and the passenger experience.

Airport Electrification

Airport Electrification

Driving the strategic planning, funding, and deployment of electrification solutions.

Advanced Air Mobility

Advanced Air Mobility

Exploring innovative solutions for the air transportation network and integrating them into airport infrastructure.

Workforce Development

Workforce Development

Empowering the airport workforce through innovative training, skill-building programs, and strategies to meet evolving industry needs.

Cyber Preparedness & Monitoring

Cyber Preparedness & Monitoring

Promote proactive planning, rapid response, and shared solutions for digital resilience

Biochemical Detection

Biochemical Detection

Strengthen airport readiness with improved monitoring and rapid-response capabilities.

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Smart Landside

Transform airport access and curbside operations through smart technologies

Thank You to Our Members!

Our members are critical to our goal of propelling the industry forward. The consortium consists of:

57
Airports
14
Industry Partners
4
Participating Members

Interested in getting involved? Join today!

Airport Members

 

Corporate Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partners represent the highest level of engagement within the ACT program, providing unparalleled access to benefits that enhance impact and visibility. They enjoy full engagement privileges, including leadership in all Task Force activities, recognition in ACT publications, opportunities to brief airport executives, and the ability to host corporate materials on AAAE platforms. This prestigious status highlights their commitment to driving innovation and showcasing industry leadership.

Development Leaders

Development Leaders play a significant role in the ACT program by leading multiple Task Force initiatives and fostering collaboration across the industry. They provide foundational engagement through their participation in ACT projects and have opportunities to lead pilot programs, host or participate in ACT Innovation Events, and partner with AAAE on grant funding opportunities.

Contributing Members

Contributing Members play an essential role in the ACT program by leading a Task Force initiative and fostering collaboration across the industry. They provide foundational engagement through their participation in ACT projects, with opportunities to lead pilot programs and host or attend ACT Innovation Events. 

Pilot Participants

Pilot Participants play an important role in the ACT program by leading pilot initiatives at partner airports and testing innovative solutions in real-world airport environments. The goal is to showcase the outcomes of these pilots across multiple member airports, providing valuable insights into how emerging technologies can unlock new opportunities throughout the airport ecosystem.

 

 

Participating Members

Participating Members support the ACT program through active engagement and collaboration with airports and industry leaders. They stay informed on emerging technologies, offer valuable perspectives that help shape ACT initiatives, and are acknowledged for their contributions to the development and sharing of innovative solutions.

Join ACT

Our Airport Consortium on Transformation is focused on evaluating, coordinating, and launching programs in airports to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. The collaborative efforts between airport members and corporate partners have allowed the industry to rapidly share results and implement new technologies.

Join ACT

The Barclay Building | 601 Madison Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Tel: 703-824-0500