Innovative Finance and Revenue Generation at Airports

Funding airport capital projects is increasingly complex, spanning everything from traditional federal grants and AIP support to public-private partnerships and emerging, non-traditional financing tools. This session will introduce attendees to the latest findings from an upcoming Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) study on innovative strategies for financing capital improvement projects. YPs will hear real-world examples from airports and will gain practical insights into opportunities for alternative and non-traditional financing mechanisms.

A New Kind of Sustainability Management Plan: Incorporating Resilience at Indianapolis International Airport

With a long-standing commitment to sustainability and a renewed focus on climate resilience, the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) has developed a new Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) that sets a forward-looking vision for the airport’s future. This session will introduce YPs to the framework behind the SMP and provide practical guidance on identifying and assessing climate and operational risks, establishing meaningful, measurable performance metrics, and developing actionable initiatives that advance both sustainability and resilience.

Unlocking the Value of Land-Locked Airports: Revitalizing Land for Redevelopment of Unused Parcels

Land is one of an airport’s most valuable, and often most constrained, assets. For many airports, environmentally impacted or previously developed land presents significant challenges when attracting tenants or expanding facilities. This session will discuss real-world examples of how airports are navigating these obstacles, including lessons from the redevelopment of a recently closed 25-acre landfill parcel at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). YPs will learn the regulatory, environmental, and financial complexities of contaminated or potentially contaminated sites while also learning strategies to make impacted land viable for new development.

AI: Reshaping Airport Planning, Terminal Design, and Operational Needs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how airports plan, size, and operate their facilities. As new technologies reshape everything from capacity analysis to long-term development strategies, airport professionals are asking how to meaningfully integrate AI into their work. This session will explore the emerging role of AI in airport planning and development, supported by practical case studies from organizations already applying these tools. YPs will learn techniques for collecting richer, more granular data to inform future planning decisions and will be provided with real-world examples demonstrating how airports and other industry organizations are using AI to enhance efficiency, safety, and long-term development strategies.

From Audit to Action: OAK’s Roadmap to a Green Future

Oakland International Airport (OAK) has set an ambitious target of achieving a 50% reduction in operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, prompting a comprehensive look at how its terminal facilities use energy and where meaningful improvements can be made. This session will give attendees a clear overview of how the audit builds on the 2023 Carbon Management Plan and translates long-term sustainability goals into a phased, actionable strategy. YPs will leave with a deeper understanding of how airports can move from planning to implementation when pursuing meaningful decarbonization goals.

I encourage other Young Professionals to attend the 2026 Symposium and take advantage of the networking and growth opportunities it offers. The aviation community is tight-knit, and this event is a great place to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and learn from experts across disciplines. This year’s Planning/Environmental Track will cover some of the industry’s most important topics and provide fresh perspectives from consultants and airport leaders. This year’s Symposium promises to be an engaging and memorable experience for everyone involved—don’t miss it!