Press Release
Press Release: AAAE’s ACT Program Releases First-of-Its-Kind Tool to Help Airports Prepare for eVTOL Operations
For Immediate Release
April 16, 2026
Alexandria, Va. — The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) has released the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Airport Master Plan Virtual Guidebook, developed through its Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT).
Developed in partnership with Woolpert and delivered as a web-based, interactive guidebook, this new resource provides airports with a practical, visual framework to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations into future airport development. It was developed in response to demand from airport leaders for actionable AAM planning guidance.
The guidebook provides airports with a clear roadmap for moving AAM from concept to implementation, including evaluating feasibility, engaging key stakeholders, assessing utility and power requirements, and incorporating AAM into long-term airport planning efforts, including airport master plans.
With initial eVTOL operations anticipated later this decade, airports are increasingly focused on how to integrate AAM into existing infrastructure, operations, and long-term development strategies.
The guidebook was created in close collaboration with San Francisco International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Eugene Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles World Airports, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Port San Antonio, Chehalis-Centralia Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and Miami International Airport.
“We were eager to support this initiative because airports are seeking practical, visual tools to understand how AAM will reshape their infrastructure,” said Jennifer Kim, Senior Aviation Planner, Woolpert. “We’re proud to help equip the industry with a resource that reflects collective insight and anticipates the needs of future airport development.”
Participating airports also emphasized the value of a shared planning framework as AAM moves closer to operational reality. “At the Eugene Airport, we took an early, proactive approach to integrating AAM into terminal planning as the sector began to commercialize,” said Cathryn Stephens, A.A.E., Airport Director. “The ACT guidebook provides airports with a practical framework to incorporate AAM into master planning, ensuring today’s investments are aligned with the next evolution of aviation.
“This guidebook sets a new benchmark for the airport industry,” said Jeremy Valcich, Director of Innovation Programs, AAAE. “It reflects exactly what ACT was designed to do—bring airports together to share insights, break down silos, and develop industry-ready tools that accelerate preparedness, reduce uncertainty, and support smarter decision-making.”
The report is now available for download in the ACT repository.
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About ACT: ACT, an innovation program powered by AAAE, is a collaborative forum of airports and industry partners working together to develop industry resources, pilot emerging technologies, and share operational insights. Through task forces, research initiatives, technology pilots, and knowledge-sharing, ACT advances airport innovation and delivers practical tools to support the future of aviation.
About AAAE: Founded in 1928, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is the world's largest professional organization representing individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 12,000 members represent more than 950 airports, along with hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C. and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.
About Woolpert: Woolpert is a global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) services, with over a century of experience driving innovation and delivering impact. We fuse deep technical expertise with a forward-thinking mindset to solve complex challenges across the public, private, and government sectors. Woolpert is proud to be a certified Great Place to Work, a Top 10 Building Design+Construction firm, a Top 50 Engineering News-Record Design firm, and a Global Top 100 Geospatial company. Woolpert operates from more than 75 offices across five continents—building smarter, more resilient communities around the world. |
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CONTACT:
Brian M. Kalish Associate Vice President, Communications 703.575.2461
Jeremy Valcich, C.M., ACE, IACE Director, Innovation Programs 703.797.9016 |
