September 2026 ACT Update

Through collaboration and a dynamic partner network, ACT’s call-to-action is to mobilize its members to transform shared challenges into actionable, results-oriented innovation resources for airports.

ACT Releases AAM Airport Master Plan Guidebook

We recently released the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Airport Master Plan Virtual Guidebook, developed in partnership with Woolpert and with input from 11 airports.

The interactive resource provides airports with a practical framework for incorporating AAM into future development and master planning, including considerations around feasibility, infrastructure, power requirements, stakeholder engagement, and airport operations.

This release represents Phase I of a living resource that ACT will continue to expand as AAM evolves and additional airports contribute their experiences.

Explore the guidebook in the ACT Research Repository. 

F. Russell Hoyt National Airports Conference (NAC) to Host ACT Insights User Forum

Nearly 20 airports have participated in the ACT Insights pilot this summer as the platform continues to take shape. On September 29, AAAE and PA Consulting will bring those airports together for an ACT Insights User Forum in New Orleans at the F. Russell Hoyt National Airports Conference (NAC), with a virtual option available for anyone interested in attending.

The Forum is designed to move beyond individual pilot feedback and bring airports together for a broader conversation about their procurement needs, experiences with the platform, and priorities for the future. The discussion will help AAAE and PA Consulting determine where ACT Insights goes next—reflecting the broader purpose of ACT by bringing airports together around shared challenges and ensuring the solutions we develop are shaped by the airport community they are intended to serve.

RSVP: Participating airports and any interested airport representatives are encouraged to complete the RSVP form to join the discussion.

ACT Insights is an AI-enabled procurement research platform designed to help airports search and learn from thousands of public procurement documents and more efficiently develop scopes of work.

ACT Introduces New All-Members Forum

ACT launched its first-ever All-Members Call in July, drawing more than 90 registrants from across the Consortium. The new forum was created to provide greater transparency into the work happening across ACT and give members a regular opportunity to hear about ongoing initiatives, deliverables, events, and opportunities to get involved.

The All-Members Call will continue as a recurring touchpoint to keep members informed and engaged in shaping the Consortium’s work. See the agenda for an overview of topics covered during the inaugural meeting.

RSVP for the next All-Members Call on Wednesday, October 28, from 1–2 pm ET. A Microsoft Teams invitation will be sent to those who RSVP.

ACT Brings UAS Technologies to Life in Oklahoma City

Nearly 40 attendees joined ACT in Oklahoma City for UAS Technologies in Action, held in partnership with the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE) ahead of AAAE’s Airport Operations & Technology Symposium.

The workshop explored real-world UAS applications in public safety, emergency response, delivery, and airport operations. Attendees heard how the Oklahoma City Police and Fire Departments are using drones as first responders, with more than 1,800 flights and 297 hours of flight time in a 30-day period.

The event concluded with a live demonstration as a drone was launched from Oklahoma City Police Department headquarters and flown to the conference hotel, all while the drone operator controlled the aircraft remotely from the conference room. Live footage from the drone was displayed on screen, giving attendees a firsthand look at the technology in action.

ACT events continue to prioritize bringing members directly to the technologies airports are planning for and integrating into their day-to-day operations.

Airport Engagement Update: We Need Your Support

ACT’s success depends on the engagement and support of our broader airport community. We invite you to stay connected across the association’s innovation focus areas and contribute to ongoing discussions as we work to deliver new solutions, resources, and insights for airports.

Please complete this brief three-question survey to share your interests and help guide future ACT engagement opportunities.

Thank You to Our Members!

Our members are the driving force behind every advancement we make in the airport industry. Ready to play a more active role in shaping what comes next? Reach out to Jeremy Valcich, C.M., ACE, IACE, to get involved.