Driving Innovation in Aviation

The Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) drives innovation by turning industry challenges into actionable solutions. Through collaboration and a dynamic network of partners, ACT empowers members to transform airport operations and shape a resilient aviation future.

November 2025 Update

Courtney Johnson, C.M., Joins the ACT Leadership Team

The ACT program is pleased to welcome Courtney Johnson, C.M., Director of Airports for the County of San Luis Obispo, to the ACT Leadership Team. She will join Co-Chair Chad Makovsky, A.A.E., and AAAE staff in guiding the program’s direction and supporting its growth.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on the ACT leadership team,” said Johnson. “Airports are in an era of rapid transformation, and ACT continues to lead the industry forward with solutions-focused collaboration, innovation and data-driven progress. I’m thrilled to support this work and contribute to advancing the airport ecosystem together.”

AAM Task Force Nears Completion of eVTOL Planning Deliverable

The ACT Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Task Force, led by Woolpert, is nearing completion of a virtual guidebook and GIS story map designed to help airports prepare for eVTOL integration. This interactive resource will offer practical planning guidance and highlight how airports across the country are approaching AAM implementation. Special thanks to the 11 participating ACT member airports whose insights and real-world experience shaped this first iteration: CLS, DFW, EUG, LAWA, MIA, PHX, PANYNJ, SKF, SFO, TPA, and WCAA.

Coming Soon: Airport Electrification Readiness: Insights from U.S. Airports

ACT’s electrification report, developed in partnership with Siemens, provides a first-of-its-kind look at how airports are preparing for rapidly increasing power demands driven by fleet electrification, terminal growth, sustainability goals, and resiliency needs. While many airports are modernizing infrastructure and exploring tools like Electrical Power Management Systems, significant gaps remain in real-time monitoring, staffing, and long-term readiness. This deliverable outlines emerging best practices, areas of alignment and divergence, and key priorities as the industry moves toward an “electrical-utility-lite” future. Special thanks to participating airports: DEN, LAX, LEX, SBP, SEA, SFO, TPA, WCAA and GRR.

Artificial Intelligence Task Force Set to Release Version 1 of the AI-Powered Airport

This interactive website, developed by Mead & Hunt and CAG Holdings, helps the airport community explore the rapidly expanding ways AI is transforming airport operations. What began as a plan to produce a static AI policy and compliance document has evolved into a fully immersive digital resource, offering a hands-on experience where users can explore real-world applications of AI technologies across a variety of airport use cases.

A highlight of the site is the new AI Policy Builder, which enables airports to create customized policy frameworks across key AI categories, including Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision. Users can select and develop core policy sections - such as governance and responsibilities, risk management, and compliance and ethics - tailored to their organization’s needs.

Special thanks to these participating airports: APF, ATW, LAWA, SAV, SJC and WCAA.

New Workforce Development Guidebook Coming Soon

ACT's Workforce Development Task Force, championed by Mead & Hunt, has produced a comprehensive guidebook addressing one of the industry’s most urgent challenges: building and sustaining a resilient airport workforce. The report outlines the four pillars of workforce development (recruitment, development, retention, and future planning) and showcases real-world strategies airports are using today.

This deliverable includes case studies, metrics for evaluating workforce programs, and practical tools to help airports strengthen talent pipelines, expand professional growth opportunities, and prepare for future operational and technological demands.

Special thanks to the participating airports: APF, ATW, BFI, BGR, CLS, EGE, ELP, EUG, FAI, GYY, LAWA, PSP, SAV, SBP, WCAA.

New ACT Member

Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). RNO is the region’s primary commercial airport, serving millions of travelers each year and acting as the gateway to “The Biggest Little City in the World” and the Lake Tahoe region.