Category: Environment

Are you leaving money on the table?

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Carly Shannon, LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP, TRUE Advisor

Airports in the US have seen a flurry of sustainability and resilience grants over the past few years and have diligently competed for and secured critical funding. Still, many are missing out on opportunities available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – or at least those not managed by our friends at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (A huge shout-out to the recent Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition – Sustainable Aviation Fuels [FAST-SAF] awardees!)

One of the major gaps relates to the Section 48 Investment Tax Credit (ITC) covering a range of renewable and clean energy technologies, which was extended and expanded upon as part of the 2022 legislation. This oversight makes sense; historically, airports and other non-taxable entities were exempt from these tax credits and could only benefit indirectly from these through partnerships like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with developers who monetized the credits. This is no longer the case – the IRA’s elective pay provision (commonly referred to as “direct pay”) changes the game. Airport sponsors can now achieve a base credit of 6%[2] on their investment in renewable energy projects and potentially 30% if prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirements are met.[3] Further, 40% is within reach if you meet domestic content requirements – easier said than done for some technologies, but increasingly attainable as the IRA achieves its objectives of onshoring energy manufacturing and jobs. (There are two other bonus credits available to get to 50% and 60%, but these are not going to apply to all airports.)

So, where to start?

  • Review your capital program – or your wish list – and identify eligible projects. Think solar, geothermal, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, battery storage, and more. The following link is a good resource for up-to-date guidance on the IRA’s credits including Section 48’s list of eligible projects: IRA-Related Tax Guidance | U.S. Department of the Treasury[4]
  • Act quick. Beginning this year, the direct pay provision phases out for non-taxable entities if the domestic content requirements are not met. Projects that begin construction in 2024 and do not meet the requirements are only eligible for 90% of the credit, 85% if they begin in 2025, and 0 (yes, 0!) if they begin in 2026 or after. That “begin construction” caveat should be noted. You do not necessarily need to put the project in service this year or next to maintain eligibility, but there are certain conditions that come with this (e.g., a continuity requirement whereby you must show continuous work on the project from the date construction is deemed to begin until it is put in service).
    • Moving quickly will help you in other ways as well. For instance, the domestic content threshold for manufactured products rises incrementally from 40% to 55% between 2023 and 2026. In addition, you may be interested in certain technologies or equipment eligible under the current Section 48 ITC that will no longer be eligible under the Section 48E Clean Electricity ITC, which comes into effect in 2025. (There is, however, a small window within which you can choose to file for the existing tax credit or the new one.)
  • Enhance your resilience of existing assets. Have solar already? Maybe you were one of the lucky airports who installed a PV array with federal funding. The IRA expanded tax credits to include stand-alone battery storage, which can enable continuous use of an otherwise-intermittent resource and mitigate your facilities’ risks from grid outages.
  • Find your grant a dance partner. Unlike many federal grants, there is – so far – no restriction on pairing IRA tax credits with federal grants, as long as you do not “make money” from this stacking. As an example, if you have a $100 project (wouldn’t that be nice if we could get anything done with that amount?!) and receive a 75% grant but are eligible for a 30% tax credit, you can only receive $25 from the IRS.
  • Think about your options. Not every airport wants the responsibility of owning their own energy generation system and dealing with potential operations and maintenance hassles. However, there are ways to mitigate these concerns, including dedicated O&M contracts.
  • Understand the documentation and filing requirements. These will be different than your typical process for securing and monitoring grants, particularly if striving for that desirable 30% or 40% credit. The good news is that following many of the FAA’s grant requirements like those related to Davis-Bacon and Buy America will help, but there are important contrasts and gaps that will need to be filled. And since you will be filing IRA paperwork after the project is put in service, make sure you have all the boxes checked throughout development.
  • Looking to show off a bit? Have some unique assets or partnerships at your airport? Broaden your aperture to other provisions within the IRA like those related to hydrogen, carbon capture, and SAF production.

This is all exciting, but admittedly a lot to navigate. Approach with enthusiasm, open eyes, and the right information to make sure you don’t leave money on the table.

[1] Information herein focuses on Investment Tax Credits (ITC), which are calculated based on the upfront cost of a project’s development; Production Tax Credits (PTC) have many similarities, but the payout is based on the annual generation amounts of the energy property.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Not required for projects less than one Megawatt (MW), which would be eligible for the full 30%.

[4] https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act/ira-related-tax-guidance#:~:text=IRA-Related%20Tax%20Guidance.%20Last%20updated%20September

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

 

FAA VALE and ZEV Grants

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

John R. Trendowski, P.E. and Mia Held, ENV SP, C&S Engineers, Inc.

Looking for funding for emission reduction projects at your airport? FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) program and Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Pilot Program are two potential sources. Although both programs have been around for over 10 years, eligibility and use of these programs have expanded to promote sustainability initiatives across the country. Application development is only one hurdle of the process. Intricacies such as Federal compliance, dealer and vendor coordination, and the completion of the bidding process, can make these programs somewhat of a minefield where experience is key to successful navigation.

VALE

The VALE program began in 2004 to implement clean technology projects that improve air quality at airports. Representative projects have included gate electrification and pre-conditioned air, remote ground power, electric charging infrastructure for airline electric ground support equipment conversion, geothermal heating, solar hot water systems and hydrant fueling. Previously, VALE projects have been limited to airports in areas designated as non-attainment or maintenance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).  With the lobbying of airport trade organizations such as ACI-NA, Congress and FAA have opened the program to any commercial airport, regardless of location.

The expansion of the VALE Program also eliminates the need for a Letter of Assurance from the State Air Quality regulatory agency, which was both time consuming and at times hindered the timely completion of an application. The majority of requirements remain, including emission reduction calculations using the latest version of the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), a cost effectiveness analysis, public bidding of the project, and meeting the “Buy American” requirements. Sponsor reimbursement continues to be at least 75% for large to medium hubs and 90% for small hubs. For more information on the VALE program, visit www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/vale

ZEV

While VALE is ideal for large infrastructure emission reduction projects, the FAA ZEV Pilot Program allows airports eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to purchase zero-emission airport vehicles and their requisite infrastructure. A zero-emission vehicle is free of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG), currently limited to all-electric vehicles (EV) or those with hydrogen-powered drive trains. Over the past five years, the amount of FAA funding under the ZEV Program has steadily increased, with 16 airports being awarded approximately $19.5 million in FY2023 and additional supplementary funds made available in 2023 and 2024.

Similar to VALE, sponsor reimbursement under ZEV varies from 75-90% based on airport size, with AIP grant assurances and “Buy American” procedures required for ZEV funding. While electric vehicles and buses have become more prevalent, these requirements have not necessarily become easier to meet. Providing the necessary documentation to prove “Buy American” of an EV can be challenging and time consuming.  A new requirement for the ZEV program in 2024 allows applicants with a long-term management plan for the transition to alternative fuel vehicles preference in the grant allocation process.  In addition, selection criteria does not factor in the location of an airport with respect to the NAAQS but by the greatest air quality benefits measured by cost per ton of emissions reduced. For more information on the ZEV program, visit www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/zero_emissions_vehicles

Conclusion

Both VALE and ZEV provide a means to receive funding to reduce emissions of pollutants and GHGs to improve the air quality for airport workers, the local community and the environment.  Pre-applications for VALE and ZEV funding for Fiscal Year 2025 are due by November 1, 2024. Reach out as soon as possible to your ADO to begin necessary pre-application coordination.

Please feel free to contact the authors of this article at (315) 455-2000, jtrendowski@cscos.com or mheld@cscos.com.

John Trendowski

John Trendowski is a Professional Engineer and has provided air quality, environmental, and sustainability services to airports, governmental entities and industry for over 30 years. John specializes in emission inventories, regulatory compliance, and mitigation projects to reduce criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases. To date, John has assisted airports across the country obtain over $110 million in VALE funding.

 

Mia Held 

Mia Held is an Airport Planner with a formal background in Community & Regional Planning. She advises airports on sustainability and resilience, electrification, community engagement and master planning projects. Mia has supported airports across the US in the acquisition of everything from UTVs to heavy-duty vehicles through the ZEV program.

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

Dolliole and Miller Launch Airport Minority Leadership Initiative

Posted on | by ScottElmore

Last month at the 2024 ACI-NA/AAAE Washington Legislative Conference, ACI-NA Chair Kevin Dolliole and AAAE Chair Perry Miller announced a new initiative called Soaring Scholars: Airport Minority Leadership Initiative, which aims to increase the percentage of minorities in leadership roles at U.S. airports. Dolliole, Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Miller, President and CEO of Richmond International Airport, launched this initiative to recruit, educate, and develop the best and brightest students beginning in high school, through college, and into management training positions at airports across the United States.

It will be established as an independent non-profit organization that will focus on four key strategies.

  • Identify minority high school students who are interested in the airport industry and demonstrate promising leadership talent
  • Partner with colleges and universities to create pathways to assist students in their pursuit of higher education in either aviation or any other relevant field
  • Provide students with leadership development, essential people skills learning, and coaching opportunities
  • Offer scholars internships and management track roles at airports

In the coming weeks, Brad Mims will join as the Executive Director of Soaring Scholars. Mims has served as a transportation professional in government and the private sector for over 40 years. More recently, he served as the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and he currently works with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Additionally, nine airports will participate in the Soaring Scholars pilot program. These airports will help to develop the key components of the internships and management training program. They also committed to being among the first to provide employment opportunities to the highly qualified candidates developed through this initiative.

The airports are:

  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Long Beach Airport
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
  • Richmond International Airport
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport
  • San Antonio International Airport

‘Reclaiming the Sky’ Resiliency Project Winners Announced on Sept. 11 Anniversary

Posted on | by ScottElmore

Even 22 years later, the stories of esteemed aviation leaders and their response to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks continue to provide learning opportunities for the benefit of future airport industry professionals.

As we hold space today to remember those we lost and honor those who helped in the aftermath on September 11, we are proud to honor the legacy of so many aviation leaders through the “Reclaiming the Sky Resiliency Project,” an essay contest organized by the Human Resiliency Institute at Fordham University and ACI-NA to engage up-and-coming airport industry leaders.

Through this year’s essay contest, young professionals from across the airport industry were invited to read the stories of aviation heroes profiled in the book, “Reclaiming the Sky,” by Tom Murphy, and participate in a workshop with aviation mentors to explore lessons about resiliency.

Twenty-five openings were allotted for the program. Participants had the chance to learn about the stories of airport and airline employees who went to work in New York, Boston, and Washington, DC, on the morning of 9/11 expecting a normal day, only to find that “just doing my job” was to become the creed of heroes. The stories, including the powerful teachings from Susan M. Baer, the General Manager of Newark Liberty International Airport on 9/11, tell how the front-line aviation employees responded with courage, selflessness, and resiliency that day and in the weeks and months that followed to rebuild their lives and reclaim hope – while helping to get the country moving again.

This year’s winners were Michael Gyan, Project Manager, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport; Salvatore Mendola, Director, Brands and Concept Development, Areas USA; and Deborah Blass, Arup, Associates, Security and Risk. Their award-winning essays can be read at ReclaimingTheSky.com.

In addition to cash prizes, these three winners will also be recognized for their achievements during the 2023 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Long Beach, CA, on October 3.

The young professionals who participated in the 2023 include Deborah Blass, Arup; Carey Metcalfe, Lee County PA; LaTarryl Hall, City of Charlotte; Ryan Thomas, Parsons Group; Adam Ussher, Dane County Airport; Anna Phillips, Columbus Airport; Michael Hamilton, Savannah Airport Commission; Michael Gyan, John C. Munro Hamilton Airport; Juan Martinez, Chicago Dept of Aviation; Antonette Chambers, Clarksville Airport; Kendall Griswold, GSP Airport; Arjun Nair, Syracuse Airport; Jimmy Vazques, San Diego Airport; Aireyanna Kennedy, Syracuse Airport; Benjamin Torres, San Diego Airport; James Gerrald, Jacobs; Ana Zivanovic, San Francisco Airport; Esther Chitsinde, HDR; Christopher Liese, Munich Airport USA Holding; Anandhi Mahalingam, Transsolutions; Kristin Jewell, Baton Rouge Airport; Julie Seglem, Areas USA; Madison Strong, Tulsa Airport; Roeland Visser, InterVISTAS; Jeff Taylor, Jacksonville Airport, Salvatore Mendola, Areas USA; Brooke Bowman, Areas USA.

Judges for the essay competition were aviation industry leaders Cedric Fulton, Virginia Buckingham, Lysa Leiponis, Eileen Ammiano, John Duval, Kathy Denker, Debbie Roland and Jennifer Juul.

For more information, visit ReclaimingTheSky.com. For aviation companies looking to participate in the expansion in 2024, contact Tom Murphy at Tom@edge4vets.org.

Meeting Sustainability Goals with Innovative Financing Models

Posted on | by RaechelRucker

By Ramsey Nuwar, Johnson Controls

Airports across North America and on a global scale have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but securing the funding to achieve that goal can feel daunting to airport leaders and stakeholders with competing priorities capturing their attention and resources. Through conversations with leaders at airports of varying sizes, I’ve come to realize that the funding options available for sustainable infrastructure upgrades are not common knowledge.

As airports work to get their budgets back up to speed following a major drop in air travel in 2020 and as they brace for a potential economic recession, many facilities don’t have the financial capabilities to fund large-scale projects completely out of pocket. Ironically, it’s these projects that improve airport efficiency, comfortability, safety and sustainability that will attract more travelers in the long run.

Working with a trusted partner for guidance and expertise can help decisionmakers understand their options and their eligibility for non-traditional funding mechanisms, how best to leverage available funding options and how to attain the best possible return on investment.

Project funding can come in many shapes and forms and can be catered to each airport’s unique needs. Some options include:

  • Performance contracting: Under a performance contract, guaranteed energy savings are used to fund infrastructure improvement projects over a set period of time.
  • A transfer of project ownership: This would allow an airport to transfer ownership and the associated risks of their energy management program to a partner’s team of experts.
  • Private-public partnership (P3): P3 agreements allow publicly funded organizations to collaborate with a partner to maintain a fixed cost of occupancy throughout the contract.
  • Contingent payment program: Under a contingent payment program, the partner would take on the risk of financing infrastructure projects. Upon completion, airports can make scheduled quarterly payments over a set term to maintain a flatlined budget.

With aging infrastructure, comes higher greenhouse gas emissions and greater environmental impacts. Through retrofitting projects with a trusted partner on board, airports are able to assess where their immediate needs are through an intake on the state of their heating, cooling, lighting systems and beyond and address the most urgent updates first for the greatest impact and return on investment.

The Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport in Rome for example, is on track to meet their 2030 decarbonization goals with the help of Johnson Controls guidance and solutions. Through this partnership, the airport has achieved a 52% reduction in energy consumption. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport was also the first airport in Europe to receive its ISO 50001:2018 energy management certification and reach the highest level of Airport Carbon Accreditation, Level 4+ ‘Transition’.

As we all know, inflation isn’t slowing down and the price of materials will continue to rise. Don’t cut your project short or wait until you’ve generated enough capital to fully fund projects outright, consider all of the funding opportunities available to meet set sustainability goals and create a healthier space for your travelers, employees and community to enjoy for years to come.

To learn more about Johnson Controls transportation offerings, contact Ramsey Nuwar at ramsey.nuwar@jci.com, or visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/industries/transportation.

 

Director of Johnson Controls Transportation Market, Ramsey Nuwar has spent the last 15 years focused on North American airports, providing leading edge building technology, passenger solutions and support systems.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

Innovating with QR Codes

Posted on | by RaechelRucker

By Neil Chatwood, Transportation Lead, Omnivex Corporation

QR codes are not a new concept. They have been around for close to 30 years. However, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a resurgence in the use of QR codes in some new and innovative uses.

Virtual Queuing

A QR code on a digital screen can quickly make information portable to a mobile device, and the pandemic dramatically increased the need for this. Now wait times, scheduling information, and many other details can update in real-time on an individual’s mobile phone. In addition, the QR code enables organizations to control crowds more effectively and allows folks to move around a facility while waiting for an appointment, flight, etc.

Passenger Queue System

In 2021, Omnivex and Wipro collaborated with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) on a cloud-based Passenger Queue System (PQS) pilot project to improve the boarding experience. Passengers scanned a QR code with their mobile device to access real-time boarding information without installing an app or updating their browser. Omnivex Ink, a digital communications platform, facilitated this.

This innovative approach to using QR codes had several advantages:

  • Reduced congestion around the gate: Passengers didn’t need to swarm their gate to hear announcements or see the gate screen. Additionally, the gates with the PQS ensured boarding announcements and zones were visible to all guests and met ATPDR (accessible transportation for persons with disabilities regulations) requirements.
  • On-time performance: Gates utilizing the PQS system reported zero delays.
  • Reduced questions and announcements: Gates utilizing the PQS system experienced a decrease in both questions about boarding and announcements at the gate.
  • Increased revenue opportunities: Having information accessible on their mobile phone allowed passengers to visit nearby restaurants or shops. 86% of flights collected ancillary revenue.
  • No privacy concerns: Passengers could access real-time flight information from their mobile phones without logging into a platform, and the system tracked no personal information.

Monetization of screens

The combination of QR codes and digital signage provides a unique opportunity to monetize screens. For example, share vouchers and highlight limited-time deals or advertisements with a quick QR code scan. In venues such as airports, shopping malls, and stadiums, this provides a way to recoup the cost of their digital signage network while providing an enhanced passenger, shopper, or fan experience. These facilities can generate advertising revenue by enabling shops, services, and restaurants in their venue to promote themselves.

For example, in an airport, a QR code on a screen as the traveler walks to their gate provides a coupon for a new restaurant in the terminal. Similarly, a QR code on a lobby screen in the stadium includes ticket information for upcoming events.

The value of QR codes is clear, and innovative use cases will continue to evolve. QR codes are a quick and easy way to make information portable and accessible from a mobile phone. They also help align with “quiet” strategies in venues like airports by eliminating the need for announcements over the PA system.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.

’60 Minutes’ Correspondent Scott Pelley: Aviation is a Miracle

Posted on | by ScottElmore

During the 2022 ACI-NA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Alessio Olivetti caught up with Scott Pelley, the 60 Minutes correspondent and 2022 annual conference keynote, who shared his experience as tireless traveler and long-time journalist.

 

AO: You travel all around the world. It’s safe to say you’re a frequent traveler. What’s the most memorable airport experience have you ever had?

SP: My most memorable experience would have been at the very beginning of COVID, when thousands of people in the United States were dying every day.

I was covering COVID, and I was flying through Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. I got off the plane and I was the only person in the terminal. Everything was closed. There were Texas State troopers clearing every plane and taking down the contact information for every passenger who came off.

I could hear the soles of my shoes clacketing on the floor. I was literally by myself walking through Houston Intercontinental, which I came through many times surrounded by tens of thousands of people in the terminal.

It was just such a shocking, remarkable experience to understand better in an airport than anywhere else the effects the COVID was having and would continue to have on the national economy. If Houston Intercontinental is empty of people, the economy has stopped, you can tell.

 

AO: You wanted to become an astronaut when you were a child. The U.S. has been the cradle of the aerospace industry for a century. Why are people fascinated in stories about aviation and lately about space tourism?

SP: People are still fascinated about the courage required to leave the Earth and fly beyond the atmosphere. Even though we have been watching that happen in the United States since 1957, the year I was born by the way, people are still fascinated about the images coming back from space, our astronauts on the International Space Station for example. And now in this all-new world of private companies launching people in space we are beginning to imagine, ‘Hey, it could be me, I could go too!’

In terms of aviation, there is just something about flying. I should be the most jaded airline passenger at all times. I’m a multi-million miler on many different airlines, but I’m still thrilled when I get on a plane and it leaves the ground. It never gets old.

I was on the A380 the other day, which is the size of an apartment building. The engineering involved in building something like an A380 or a 747-8 is a miracle, getting that thing off the ground almost effortlessly. Engineering is far beyond me, but I have so much respect for it.

There is another thing about aviation. People complain insensitively about their flight being delayed, canceled, or their luggage being lost. I get all of that, it’s very frustrating.

But I would argue that aviation today is a miracle. You can literally be anywhere on this Earth in 24 hours. Imagine such a thing.

I’m amazed at the way the airline industry runs all around the world with thousands of operations every day, and virtually accident-free. It’s one of the greatest achievements of man.

 

AO: What’s your favorite interview if you have one?

SP: Now I have a new favorite interview and that’s the one I did in April with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

I’ve never met a leader of a country who has impressed me more. The courage that he took to stay in Kyiv when the Russians were coming at him in three different directions. And when he walked outside into the courtyard and filmed a video message on his phone.

That moment galvanized the country to resist. It was on the knife’s edge of collapsing until he walked out and said, ‘We’re not going anywhere, we’re all staying here.’

Just an incredibly courageous and impressive man who forced the Russians to retreat from Kyiv and from Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv. He has punched way above his weight leading his people so courageously.

At the end of the interview, I said ‘Mr. President, we wish you all the luck in the world.’ He broke into English saying, ‘Half of it, I think we need half of it.’

A man with 44 million people on his shoulders and he is still having a sense of humor.

Celebrating April as U.S. Airport Professional Appreciation Month

Posted on | by ScottElmore

 

As U.S. Airport Professional Appreciation Month comes to a close, we have been so excited to celebrate the airport industry professionals who are demonstrating their commitment to industry excellence and professional development.  We recently caught up with Sylvia A. Palmer, Vice President, Operations and Regulatory Affairs, at the Airport Consultants Council to learn about her experience in the program.  Sylvia recently completed her USAP studies and is now an accredited U.S. Airport Professional.  She is one of eleven students to be celebrated this first U.S. Airport Professional Appreciation Month!

ACI-NA: Why did you decide to enroll in USAP?

SP: In 2020, as the aviation industry was undergoing massive disruption, I desired a resource that would provide a comprehensive overview of the entire U.S. airport system as we knew it, and the all-encompassing evolution occurring as a result of the pandemic’s wide-reaching impact on the aviation industry.

ACI-NA: How is USAP making you a better airport industry professional?

SP: The USAP program’s detailed and well-constructed modules touched on every aspect of the U.S. airport ecosystem, in a cohesive manner. It helped me understand the changing industry landscape, and operational and management strategies that would help to re-invent the overall airport and travel experience. The program is also helping me better understand how to engage airport development stakeholders and regulatory bodies in the advancement of a more resilient, efficient, sustainable, customer-centric aviation system.

ACI-NA: What would you say to a friend or colleague who expresses interest in USAP?

SP: I endorse the USAP program for anyone who desires to grow as a leader within the aviation industry. It strengthens the critical skills necessary to effectively manage and lead change in the current dynamic airport environment. Congratulations to ACI-NA for delivering such rigorous professional development, and thank you for the opportunity to participate.

About the USAP Accreditation Program

In 2020, ACI-NA launched an accredited e-learning training curriculum, the U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) Program, to equip students with the leadership and strategic management skills necessary for personal and professional advancement in the U.S. airport industry.  The program was developed in collaboration with U.S. airport industry and professional development experts.

Comprised of seven online courses and a writing assignment, the USAP accreditation program covers the full range of current airport management topics, including leadership development, business strategy, commercial management, finance, operations, safety, security, air service, and more.  Each student who completes the program is permitted to use the USAP credential to demonstrate their understanding of the U.S. airport system.

Learn more about the U.S. Airport Professional accreditation program at www.usairportprofessional.org.

 

Looking Forward One Year In

Posted on | by ScottElmore

By Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO, ACI-NA

Now at the one-year milestone of widespread travel and local restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19, we are reminded that this past year has been incredibly challenging for so many, both personally and professionally.  While so much has changed in our industry as we continue to respond to this prolonged crisis, airports remain fully committed to ensuring the health, safety and security of the traveling public and airport workers.

Although North American airports quickly mobilized to protect travelers and workers, the significant drop in passenger traffic has wiped out record growth in air travel and decimated the airport industry’s financial outlook. In 2019, more than 1.9 billion people traveled through North American airports.  At the start the pandemic, air travel dropped by upwards of 95 percent.  ACI-NA estimates that the pandemic will cost U.S. airports more than $40 billion and Canadian airports more than $5.5 billion — a number that will only grow if the pandemic drags on.

There is no shortage of issues confronting the industry.  Early in the pandemic, ACI-NA created the Airport Industry Recovery Advisory Panel to provide the industry with valuable recommendations on immediate term, medium term and long-term measures to address the public health concerns and assist airports coming out of the pandemic.

These initiatives, ranging from restoring confidence in air travel to implementing a wide variety of mitigation strategies, are fostering a completely new level of collaboration across aviation industry stakeholders.  We each have a role to play, and the value of partnership has never been more important. As we think about the future, airports leaders should remain cognizant of the ever-evolving airport business model.  Our ongoing relationships with airline partners, concessionaires, retailers, service providers, and government regulators are essential to our continued success.

ACI-NA led the charge in an effort secure $20 billion in immediate financial relief for the U.S. airport industry.  We are immensely grateful from the strong support of the U.S. government for airports and their concession partners as they remain open and fully operational though this crisis.

Thanks to the proactive leadership of our team in Ottawa, Canada’s airports received some of the only sector specific COVID support in Canada, with some CAD $1.4 billion through ground rent waivers and deferrals, wage subsidy, and infrastructure funding.  However, as the situation in Canada grows more dire each day, our work continues in Canada to secure addition relief to meaningfully address the financial challenges Canada’s airports face.

One of the silver linings to come out of this pandemic is the rapid innovation and the deployment of new technologies to allow for a seamless – and contactless – passenger experience.  While most of this progress had seemed years away, the pandemic has accelerated this effort to turn our industry’s aspirations into reality.  One thing is clear: the passenger experience will look different than it did before. It is going to be better.

Airports have taken unprecedented actions to limit the spread of COVID-19.  As the eternal optimist, I am confident there is a light at the end of the tunnel and much to be done when we emerge from it. From enhancing airport sustainability and resiliency to taking full advantage of automation and big data to enabling a new generation of aircraft to operate at our airports, we face myriad opportunities to make a difference in the aviation industry. All of these opportunities require a ready and able workforce. We look forward to working with the industry to develop training that will help current airport workers adapt as well as prepare the next generation to make their mark on aviation.

Thank you for the continued trust you place in ACI-NA and the immensely talented team here at your trade association.  I continue to be proud of our team, our members, and the important work we do on behalf of North American airports.

 

Americans Are Starting to Fly Again

Posted on | by bwilson@airportscouncil.org

States around the country are taking their first steps to safely reopen our economy and to start rebuilding a sense of normal life. This Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer in North America — a well-deserved benchmark that we’ve made it through a difficult start of this year. This typically marks the beginning of our busy travel season, and while COVID-19 has quieted the typical buzz in our airport terminals and dramatically reduced the crowds, we are finally seeing an uptick in passengers who want to travel again.

Despite the challenges we still face, the Transportation Security Administration expects more than 350,000 people to travel through our airports this Memorial Day weekend. That is a far cry from the 2.7 million air travelers who passed through our airports last Memorial Day weekend, but it nearly doubles our traffic from weeks prior. Airports welcome these early signs of a rebound, and they are ready to help passengers navigate the new normal as we work to adapt to the future of travel together. If you’re traveling this Memorial Day weekend, here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Arrive early: Airports around the U.S. have enhanced safety standards and measures for all passengers. This could mean more delays as you travel through security checkpoints. Be sure to arrive early so you are able to make it to your gate and flight on time.
  • Adhere to physical distancing: Remember to keep your physical distance (6 feet) when going through checkpoints, shopping at concessions shops, or standing in line at customer service. By keeping your distance, you can help stop the spread of germs and keep you and others in your party healthy.
  • Wear a facial covering: Many states and local governments as well as airlines are requiring that masks be worn when occupying a public space. Please be sure to bring a facial covering with you to the airport and wear it throughout your duration there. For facial coverings to be worn properly they must cover your nose, mouth, and chin.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout your time while traveling. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away in a trash bin. Avoid touching your face.
  • Be patient: We are all learning these lessons together, so please understand that our dedicated workforce is doing everything in their power to adapt to these new requirements as quickly as possible to ensure the travel experience remains as seamless as it can be in the face of new health and safety guidelines.

As the nation continues to open up and more people begin to travel, implementing these best practices will help to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Our airports are eager to welcome you back.