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Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT)

The Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) is AAAE’s innovation program, bringing airports and industry partners together to address shared challenges and explore opportunities presented by emerging technologies.

Through collaborative workstreams, ACT turns airport experience and industry expertise into practical resources, pilot programs, and solutions that can benefit the broader airport community. Each workstream is built around four foundational elements designed to support meaningful collaboration and measurable outcomes.

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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 and virtually each December for a year-end recap and discussion of priorities for the coming year.

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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.

Mukesh Patel, C.M., Director of Aviation at San Jose Mineta International Airport, and Harry Barrett, A.A.E., Assistant Director of Airports at the Sacramento County Departments of Airports, joined their industry peers for a discussion on the innovation challenges facing their airports.

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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Atif Saeed, A.A.E., Chief Executive Officer, San Diego International Airport and Chad Newton, A.A.E., Chief Executive Officer, Wayne County Airport Authority, participate in the annual in-person ACT CEO Steering Group meeting.

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Jessica Dunn, Global Technology Officer at EY, addresses the audience on technology, innovation, and collaboration

ACT's Mission Statement:

ACT brings airports and industry partners together to collaborate on emerging challenges, share real-world experiences, develop practical resources, and accelerate the adoption of technologies and solutions that improve airport operations and planning.

ACT's Vision Statement:

To create a more connected, innovative, and future-ready airport industry where airports can learn from one another and collectively navigate emerging technologies and transformation.

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Airport Electrification

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

ACT Initiative Lead: Siemens, Schneider Electric

Advanced Air Mobility

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

ACT Initiative Lead: Woolpert

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Airport Digitization

Embracing technology to enhance airport operations and the passenger experience.

ACT Initiative Lead: Arup

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Airside Training

To unify the industry's approach to airport driver and winter operations training through shared challenges and collaborative solutions.

ACT Initiative Lead: Fortbrand

Artificial Intelligence

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

ACT Initiative Lead: PA Consulting, Mead & Hunt, CAG Holdings

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Cyber Preparedness & Monitoring

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

ACT Initiative Lead: Mead & Hunt, Leidos, Air Sheriff

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Smart Landside

Transform airport access and curbside operations through smart technologies.

ACT Initiative Lead: Pueblo Technology Group, Automotus, Waymo

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Workforce Development

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

ACT Initiative Lead: Mead & Hunt

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.

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