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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 our innovation program that unites airport leaders and corporate partners to address key aviation challenges through innovation and collaboration.
This cooperation enhances operational efficiency and passenger experience, solidifying ACT's status as a leader in airport innovation.
Driving Innovation At Airports Nationwide
Evolving from the Airport Innovation Accelerator, ACT was launched to tackle industry challenges, particularly those heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. It now serves as a comprehensive innovation lab focused on areas like Advanced Air Mobility, Airport Digitization, Airport Electrification, and Artificial Intelligence.
Central to our mission is the Airport CEO Steering Group, led by Chad Makovsky, A.A.E. (PHX) and Chris McLaughlin (DFW), which drives the program by identifying and defining research areas, leading to the development and implementation of new technologies and solutions across the industry.
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Upcoming Events
ACT PHX/Waymo Workshop
February 28, 2025 | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Our next event features a partnership between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Waymo, a groundbreaking industry disruptor entering the airport market with their autonomous ride-sharing solutions. Join us to learn how Waymo’s technology is seamlessly supporting 24/7 operations at one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and explore the potential for autonomous solutions to transform airport transportation and operations.
ACT National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Workshop
May 22, 2025 | NREL South Table Mountain Campus, Golden, CO
For more than 47 years, NREL has devised solutions to transform the way we generate, consume, store, and distribute energy. Join us to learn how NREL and aviation stakeholders are using the laboratory’s world-class facilities and other unique research environments to transform energy in aviation—from sustainable aviation fuel technologies to airport infrastructure optimization and aircraft propulsion technologies. There will be opportunities for tours of NREL’s facilities and workshops with researchers.
Evaluating, Testing, and Launching Innovative Solutions
White Papers
Past Events
Key Initiatives of the ACT program
The ACT CEO Steering Group has played a pivotal role in defining the future direction of the Consortium. Through collaborative efforts, our airport leaders have identified the following key focus areas that will shape ACT's roadmap for 2024.
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Artificial Intelligence
Leveraging AI technologies to optimize airport operations and improve decision-making processes.
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Airport Digitization
Embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance airport operations and the passenger experience.
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Airport Electrification/Ground Fleet Conversion
Transitioning airport ground fleets to electric vehicles to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
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Advanced Air Mobility
Exploring innovative solutions for the air transportation network and integrating them into airport infrastructure.
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Workforce Development
Empowering the airport workforce through innovative training, skill-building programs, and strategies to meet evolving industry needs.
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Innovations in Finance
Pioneering new financial strategies and technologies to enhance airport funding, revenue generation, and fiscal sustainability.
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Hydrogen Integration
Advancing the use of hydrogen technologies to support sustainable airport operations and reduce carbon emissions.
Thank You to Our Members!
Our members are critical to our goal of propelling the industry forward. The consortium consists of:
Interested in getting involved? Join today!
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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.
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Development Leaders
Development Leaders are integral contributors to the ACT program, benefiting from a robust range of opportunities that amplify their engagement and influence. They lead pilot programs, engage in multiple Task Force activities, and gain recognition in ACT publications for their contributions, showcasing leadership in targeted areas of innovation and positioning themselves as key drivers of industry advancement and transformation.
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Contributing Members
Contributing Members play a pivotal role in the ACT program, accessing a range of benefits that support their involvement and influence. They participate in one Task Force activity and contribute to specific ACT projects, providing foundational engagement and opportunities for collaboration, positioning themselves as key contributors to industry advancements.
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Pilot Participants
Pilot Participants play an important role within the ACT program, accessing opportunities that elevate their involvement and industry impact. They focus on leading pilot programs at partner airports, piloting innovative solutions in real-world airport environments, attending or hosting engagement events, and receiving recognition for contributions to specific ACT publications.
Participating Members
Participating members in ACT include organizations like government agencies, national laboratories, and other entities that bring specialized expertise and resources to the aviation industry. These members collaborate with airports and industry leaders to advance innovative solutions, support sustainability initiatives, and contribute to the development of transformative infrastructure and technologies.
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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