By Marci A. Greenberger, ACRP Program Manager

In a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry, staying ahead of the curve is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Since its establishment in 2005, the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has stood as a trusted partner to airport professionals nationwide, offering evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing the airport industry. As the program marks its 20th anniversary, it’s a moment to celebrate the partnerships, programmatic resources, and research that have supported evidence-based solutions for challenges airports across the country experience.  In 2025, ACRP is celebrating this important milestone by bringing together airport professionals to share their stories about ACRP research and programs that have supported their industry.

ACRP is commemorating its 20^th anniversary with a special celebration, bringing airport practitioners together to gain an insider’s look at ACRP’s role in advancing practical, responsive solutions and sharing impact stories from across the country. The Celebrating 20 Years: How You Can Drive Airport Innovation with ACRP virtual event is scheduled on September 26, 1:00 – 1:45 PM ET, featuring special guests, trivia, prizes, and much more! Visit the ACRP 20^th Anniversary page for more information on this celebration and how to get involved, or click here to sign up for the virtual event.

By serving the airport industry for 20 years with responsive research and programs, ACRP has provided many ways for airport industry professionals to participate in research and creating tools they need. “As a former ACRP Ambassador, research panelist, and avid ACRP reader, I can’t imagine our industry, or my practice within it, without ACRP,” shares Erin Cooke of San Francisco International Airport. “Novice to aviation when I joined my airport, ACRP offered an invaluable orientation and to this day is an essential companion in the work I deliver nearly a decade in.” ACRP continues to make impacts for airport professionals at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re a seasoned airport director or just beginning your career in aviation, there are many ways to participate in ACRP:

• Stay informed by visiting the ACRP website to explore current research, tools, and publications.

• Join an event and participate in an ACRP Webinar or Insight Event to connect with fellow professionals and shape the future of the industry.

• Contribute your ideas by submitting a Problem Statement—ACRP wants to hear about the challenges and opportunities you’re facing.

• Serve as a Panelist by applying for a Project Panel committee with the opportunity to review project proposals and support the development of industry research.

• Become an Ambassador and help promote ACRP’s value throughout your professional network by serving as an ACRP Ambassador.

• Stay connected to ACRP Updates and sign-up for timely updates on the latest ACRP research and programs.

• Connect to ACRP academic opportunities and participate in the Graduate Research Award and University Design Competition programs

• Join the 20^th Anniversary celebration and sign-up to share your story and get on the ACRP map.

As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, ACRP remains committed to responding to the industry’s most pressing and complex challenges. Just like airports continue to connect people, economies, and ideas across the globe, ACRP provides a bridge linking research to practice, ideas to action, and professionals to each other.

Author Bio

Marci A. Greenberger is the ACRP Program Manager and has worked with the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies since 2008. Before joining ACRP, she spent more than 18 years in airport operations and management in senior management positions at airports in Rhode Island, Indiana, and California. Ms. Greenberger is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

 

 

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.

By Clement Zhang, Founder, FlightBI

Understanding where airport passengers originate—and where they may choose competing airports—is essential for route planning and air service development. Because airport catchment areas shift over time, selecting the right data sources is key for meaningful analysis.

Common Data Sources for Catchment Area Analysis

1. Passenger Surveys
   Surveys collect information such as home ZIP codes through check-in, Wi-Fi login, or outreach. They’re easy and low-cost, and can provide demographic or motivational insights. However, surveys suffer from low participation, bias, and may quickly become outdated, capturing only a subset of travelers.
2. Parked Vehicle Analysis
   License plate data from parking facilities is matched to vehicle registrations, providing a look at where parkers are coming from. This method reveals drive-market behavior and can offer geographic detail. Its limitations include excluding those dropped off or using transit, out-of-date registrations, and no insight into passengers using competitor airports.
3. Billing Data from Ticket Purchases
   Airline ticket transaction data (from ARC, MIDT, or airlines) is used to map passenger origins via billing addresses. It offers a large sample size and is widely used for benchmarking. However, addresses for business travelers may reflect their company headquarters, not their home. Data may miss low-cost carriers or direct bookings.
4. IP Address Tracking in Travel Search Data
   Some analytics tools use IP addresses from online flight searches to infer traveler location. This can yield large, real-time data sets and support digital marketing. Still, IP addresses often reflect the ISP location rather than the traveler’s true home. VPNs and mobile browsing introduce further inaccuracy, making this data unreliable for market analysis.
5. User-Generated Content (UGC) & Social Media
   Social media geotags and travel posts can show trends or travel groups in real-time. However, there’s heavy participation bias, data tends to be sparse, and it lacks the robustness for quantitative planning.
6. Mobile Location (Air Mobility) Data
   The latest approach uses anonymized, permission-based mobile device data to track aggregated travel patterns to and from airports. Air mobility data offers direct measurement of traveler origins, covers all travel modes, and enables detailed leakage analysis. It provides near real-time insights and can segment between residents and visitors. However, data licensing is required, smaller airports may see limited samples, and expert analysis is needed.

Each data source brings value to airport catchment analysis, but all have limitations. Many airports use a combination of sources to cross-validate results. As travel patterns grow more complex, the need for integrated, detailed insights continues to increase.

Looking Ahead

Modern catchment and leakage studies increasingly rely on blending multiple data types for more comprehensive analysis. Solutions like FlightBI’s Fligence ZIP-OD exemplify this integrated approach, combining air mobility data, ticketing information, and onboard segment data to offer a complete, actionable view of passenger flows—from ZIP code of origin to true destination by airline. By leveraging these advanced tools, airports are better equipped to monitor trends, understand market share, and address leakage with confidence as the industry evolves.

 

Clement Zhang has 25 years of experience building IT solutions and consulting in the travel and transportation industry. He is the founder of FlightBI, served as Director of Business Intelligence at Cirium and Vice President at MergeGlobal, and holds an MBA from Georgetown and a Ph.D. from Xi’an JiaoTong University.

 

 

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.

By David Chandler, Associate Dean of Executive Programs, University of Colorado Denver Business School

In preparing to launch the Executive MBA in Aviation, our team at the University of Colorado Denver talked with perhaps 40-50 individuals and organizations throughout the industry. Two things quickly became apparent: first, the passion people have for aviation and, second, how siloed it is – somewhat surprising for a complex network where everyone relies on everyone else for everything to work. Nevertheless, while there is deep expertise in every corner of aviation, we heard that systemwide communication could be better.

The more people we met who raised this issue (and everyone agreed when we asked), the more I wondered why that is and how formal education can help. One underlying concern, I think, is that interests are misaligned. On every issue there is, at minimum, an airport perspective and an airline perspective, and they can be diametrically opposed. Take CPE (cost per enplanement) – currently, it seems every airport is constructing terminals, in response to industry growth projections. But these buildings are expensive, and someone has to pay. While a well-designed terminal will lead to an enhanced passenger experience, should airports pay (even though it is the airlines/vendors that are their customers) or should airlines pay (even though it is the airport that is being improved)? And more complex topics such as air traffic control, systemwide security, or sustainable fuel involve even more detailed interdependencies, combined with intricate tradeoffs and serious consequences. When the product is moving large numbers of people at 30,000 feet at high speeds in a metal tube surrounded by jet fuel, the imperative to do so safely (as well as efficiently) speaks to the need for aligned interests.

Given this, what can a university do to help? The value we bring lies in designing and delivering an educational experience with an ecosystem perspective that encourages understanding across silos. An Executive MBA is uniquely positioned to do this – not only does it seek students with 15-20 years’ experience who bring great depth to classroom discussions, but the focus is broad … by design. An EMBA does not make students better in their functional roles (they already have extensive experience), it teaches them about the roles of others, and how others view their roles. The goal is to build confidence by teaching a little about everything – ensuring students return to their organizations with sufficient knowledge to enter any meeting, ask informed questions, and use the answers to make strategic decisions. In short, the goal is to create thoughtful leaders who enable change.

I believe this can only happen if we create opportunities that push students outside their comfort zones, while instilling the skills and frameworks needed to solve the challenges that result. And the greater the variety of roles, perspectives, and opinions we assemble in each cohort, the more likely we can build the optimal learning environment, where advocacy and (respectful) debate lead to an appreciation of alternative perspectives. In aviation, no executive-level talent development opportunity exists that focuses on optimizing the entire ecosystem.

An Executive MBA degree is broader than a short-course certificate or an organizational training program, and it complements the extensive experience aspiring leaders bring to the classroom. It moves beyond functional and organizational silos, to instill a perspective based on understanding and empathy. A complex ecosystem performs most effectively when there is more collaboration than isolation, more empathy than selfishness, and more knowledge than ignorance. The CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation is designed to serve the aviation ecosystem, and the amazing professionals who ensure it functions, every day.

David Chandler (david.chandler@ucdenver.edu) is Associate Dean of Executive Programs at the University of Colorado Denver Business School, overseeing both the Executive MBA and the Executive MBA in Aviation. He is also a tenured Professor of Management whose research focuses on understanding how organizations interact with their complex institutional environments.

 

 

 

 

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.

By: Chris Gwilliam, SVP of Global Business Development,Airport Dimensions

There’s a new kind of traveler walking through our terminals—and they’re changing everything. At Airport Dimensions, thought our yearly research, we’ve been looking closely at how expectations are evolving, and the picture is clear: today’s travelers want more than just to get from point A to point B. They want experiences that feel intentional, comfortable, and personal.

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is the rise of the affluent leisure traveler. These are people who are traveling by choice, not just necessity—and they’re willing to spend when the experience feels worth it. They’re also the group most likely to influence how airport spaces grow and change in the years ahead.

Blending business and leisure

We also can’t ignore the growing bleisure trend. Nearly half (44%) of travelers say they’re mixing business and leisure when they fly. That means the airport isn’t just a place to pass through—it’s a space where people expect to get work done, grab a great meal, and maybe even unwind a little. That shift opens up a lot of possibilities for how we design and activate spaces.

Feeling the crowd

Even with satisfaction on the rise, crowding is still a major concern. 60% of travelers say airports are feeling more packed than ever, and two-thirds say they’d pay extra to skip the crowds. That tells me there’s a real opportunity to lean into premium services—whether it’s lounges, fast-track lanes, or just smarter space planning.

Lounges as the new standard

And speaking of lounges—these aren’t just “nice to have” anymore. 42% of travelers already use them, and 94% of loyalty program members say lounge access is something they won’t give up. The demand is strong, and it’s being driven by network programs and card partnerships. Airports that recognize this are going to be better positioned to meet guest expectations—and create new revenue opportunities in the process.

Digital is the glue

One thing that ties all of this together is digital. 81% of travelers say they’d shop online at the airport if prices were better. And nearly half are already aware of digital tools, which means we have an open door to do more with loyalty, personalization, and smarter targeting. In other words: the tech is here—now it’s about making it meaningful.

Final thoughts

The traveler of tomorrow isn’t really tomorrow anymore—they’re already here. If we’re paying attention, we’ve got a chance to build something better: airports that aren’t just functional, but thoughtful. Places that travelers want to spend time in—not just pass through.

 

Chris Gwilliam is SVP of Global Business Development at Airport Dimensions, leading strategic growth and partnerships across the network. With over 25 years in hospitality and multisite operations, he has played a key role in securing major airport leases and expanding the brand’s global footprint.

 

 

 

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.

By Lynn Hang, Vice President and General Counsel, B2Gnow

Airport construction and infrastructure projects are experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by significant federal, state, and local investments. From terminal modernizations to runway expansions and road improvements, this surge promises enhanced connectivity and substantial economic development. However, these ambitious projects demand meticulous compliance with complex regulations, especially as the political landscape surrounding diversity and inclusion continues to evolve. Recent scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has created uncertainty for supplier diversity professionals and public agencies. Airports remain committed to fair contracting and workforce participation but must now navigate these efforts in a shifting environment, making strategic, compliant execution paramount.

Decoding the Compliance Landscape: Key Challenges

Managing compliance with various regulations is crucial for securing funding and maintaining public trust. Key challenges include:

• Davis-Bacon & State Prevailing Wage Rules: Federally funded projects, and often state-funded ones, require paying laborers and mechanics at least the local prevailing wages and fringe benefits for their work, which involves navigating potentially complex wage determinations and classifications.
• Workforce Participation Goals: Many funding sources require local worker participation to boost economic development. Tracking and achieving these goals require constant monitoring.
• Apprenticeship Utilization Tracking: Requirements for registered apprentice utilization necessitate accurate tracking of apprentice hours and ratios to promote skill development.
• Contractor and Subcontractor Reporting: Compliance extends to all subcontractors, demanding comprehensive reporting across all tiers to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Certified Payroll & Audit Readiness: Maintaining accurate certified payroll records is essential for demonstrating compliance and preparing for audits, requiring meticulous documentation.
• DBE/ACDBE Program Management: Effective management of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs includes setting goals, verifying eligibility, enforcing compliance, and adapting to legal changes, all while maintaining detailed reporting.

Compliance Control Tower: Leveraging Technology

Navigating today’s complex regulatory environment requires more than manual processes. Airport agencies must rely on effective tools and informed practices to manage compliance across projects. Modern compliance platforms help streamline operations, reduce risk, and achieve project goals through features like:

• Real-time Certified Payroll Tracking: Automatically collects and monitors CPRs from contractors and subcontractors, flagging potential issues for timely resolution.
• No Hassle Wage Updates: Solutions like B2Gnow’s eComply include up-to-date wage determinations—at no extra cost—ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Flexible and Configurable: Purpose-built systems support a wide range of labor compliance needs, including prevailing wage, certified payroll, workforce, and worksite tracking.
• Workforce Dashboards and Participation Tracking: Gain visibility into local hiring, apprenticeship usage, and other participation metrics to stay aligned with program goals.
• Subcontractor Compliance Management: Onboard, track, and monitor all tiers of subcontractors in a centralized system, supporting full project oversight.
• Audit-Ready Reporting: Generate comprehensive, accurate reports that simplify audits and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
• Compliance with 49 CFR Part 23 (ACDBE) and 49 CFR Part 26 (DBE): Track participation, manage certifications, and access directories of certified firms to support supplier diversity initiatives.
• Generate Comprehensive Reports, including the DBE Uniform Report and FAA report: Quickly produce required reports to meet agency and funding compliance standards.
• Seamless Supplier Diversity and Prevailing Wage Integration: There are solutions that offer a unified approach to contract compliance, integrating supplier diversity and prevailing wage management for more efficient oversight of inclusion goals and labor requirements.

Ensuring Project Success Through Vigilant Compliance

Airport project success requires navigating complex regulations beyond timelines and budgets. Advanced compliance management solutions enable airport agencies to maintain transparency, mitigate risks, and ensure projects meet or exceed necessary standards, fostering trust and sustainable aviation development.

B2Gnow provides airport authorities and public agencies with tools and support to ensure every runway, terminal, access road project, and program is fully compliant. Learn more or request a demo: www.b2gnow.com. Or, if you’re headed to Arlington, TX for the 2025 Business of Airports Conference, be sure to visit the B2Gnow booth.

Lynn Hang, Vice President and General Counsel, B2Gnow

Lynn Hang is Vice President and General Counsel at B2Gnow. She has over 15 years of legal experience in labor compliance, contract law, and regulatory affairs, with prior leadership roles at eComply Solutions, Hill International, and Gibson Dunn. She is a licensed attorney and UCLA Law graduate.

 

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.

A harmonious airport experience depends on the seamless coordination of airport operations. However, challenges such as Foreign Object Debris (FOD) continue to threaten smooth operations. Whether it’s a stray bolt or a discarded luggage tag, any FOD has the potential to threaten safety, disrupt operations and result in costly damages.

The Air France Concorde tragedy in 2000, caused by titanium debris on the runway, tragically illustrated the devastating potential of FOD and spurred a global effort to improve prevention.

For years, airports have relied on manual inspections, a time-consuming and imperfect process. Now, cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming this critical task. Companies like ADB SAFEGATE are developing innovative solutions that will revolutionize apron management, ushering in the age of the autonomous airport.

The FOD Problem: A Multi-Billion Dollar Headache

The numbers are staggering. Boeing estimates that FOD costs the aviation industry $4 billion annually, with damage including aircraft engine failures, punctured tires, and debris lodged in critical mechanisms.

Beyond the direct repair costs, the ripple effects of a single delayed flight can include disruptions across an airline’s network, leaving passengers stranded and impacting crew schedules.

Studies, including an FAA recent report, suggest true FOD costs could be as high as $22.7 billion annually, when considering indirect costs such as flight delays, cancellations, and lost revenue. These costs go beyond the financial – impacting passenger experience, operational efficiency, and the perception of air travel.

Hidden FOD Dangers on the Apron

While discussions about FOD typically focus on runways, the apron – where aircraft park, refuel, and undergo servicing – is equally vulnerable. 55% of all FOD is discovered in the stand and apron areas, underscoring the magnitude of the problem in these high-traffic zones. Debris, such as loose tools or fasteners, can jeopardize apron operations, causing extensive damage to the aircraft and ground support equipment, as well as risking injury to personnel.

The apron accounts for 10% of total FOD-related costs, with 4 FOD detections per 10,000 operations. In these high-tempo environments, small issues can escalate quickly. For example, in 2013, a Boeing 737-800 was severely damaged after a rag was ingested by an engine, highlighting how easily items left on the apron can escalate into significant disruptions. Preventing FOD requires increased vigilance, robust inspection, and efficient cleanup to ensure safety and protect valuable assets.

Enter AI-Powered Solutions

The future of airside operations lies in innovative, AI-driven technology. Autonomous systems offer better efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

ADB SAFEGATE is paving the way with their advanced AiPRON FOD solution. Utilizing a combination of high-resolution cameras and radar, this solution provides continuous, automated FOD detection on the apron. The system identifies even small objects in real-time, alerting ground crews to their precise location and enabling swift removal.

The Benefits: Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability

The benefits of AI-powered FOD detection are multifaceted, including:

• Enhanced Safety: Quick debris identification and removal minimizes risk of damage to aircraft and injury to personnel.
• Improved Efficiency: Streamlined apron operations reduce turnaround times and optimize aircraft usage.
• Cost Savings: Preventing FOD-related damage and delays can save millions of dollars each year.
• Sustainability: Optimized operations can reduce fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to a greener aviation industry.

The Future of Airport Operations

With air traffic continuing to grow, innovative solutions will be essential to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of air travel. With the persistent challenge of FOD met by the intelligent eye of technology, ADB SAFEGATE is paving the way for a smarter, safer, and more connected future for aviation.

With 30 years’ experience in Sales and Business Development, Ilya Burkin joined ADB SAFEGATE in 2019 holding various aviation roles from consulting companies, solution providers and airports. Currently an ADB SAFEGATE’s Global Marketing Director, Ilya is a thought leader with deep knowledge of global airport markets, he shaped our company’s Intelligent Apron vision and drives digital transformation globally. Based in London, he’s a prominent speaker at industry events worldwide.

 

 

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.

By Christina Cole, Aviation Team Lead, Advance Aviation

Effective airport marketing in today’s landscape requires a deep understanding of the modern traveler, a commitment to delivering on your promises, and the agility to adapt to ever-changing preferences. Advance Aviation, a leader in aviation marketing, shares key takeaways and actionable insights to help your airport take flight.

Here’s what the experts at Advance Aviation recommend:

1. Authenticity & Transparency: The Key to Traveler Trust 

   Authenticity resonates. Today’s travelers, especially Gen Z, value transparency and genuine connection. Showcase the real experience your airport offers – behind the scenes glimpses, authentic stories, and genuine interactions. Building trust is paramount, and it starts with being real.

2. Lights, Camera, Action! Unleashing the Power of Video 

   Video content is king. Live video shoots at your airport can bring the traveler experience to life, showcasing amenities and building trust in a compelling way. Give potential passengers a virtual preview of what awaits them and highlight why your airport stands out.

3. Staying Ahead of the Curve: Adapting to Travel Trends 

   The travel industry is dynamic. Advance Aviation stays ahead of the curve, monitoring emerging trends like the rise of “bleisure” travel and other shifts in traveler behavior. We help you adapt your marketing campaigns to reflect these changes and ensure your messaging is always relevant.

4. Convenience & Value: Meeting Traveler Expectations 

   Travelers prioritize convenience and value. Emphasize the ease of using your airport – from efficient check-in to convenient parking. Highlight affordability by showcasing low-cost carrier options and any special deals or promotions. Make it clear that choosing your airport is the smart and economical choice.

5. Strategic Partnerships: The Power of Collaboration 

   Collaboration is essential. Partnering with airlines on co-marketing initiatives can significantly expand your reach. Advance Aviation helps facilitate these partnerships, highlighting the mutual benefits for travelers and creating win-win opportunities for all involved.

Advance Aviation: Your Partner in Airport Marketing Success

Marketing your airport effectively demands a comprehensive and strategic approach. Advance Aviation provides the expertise and insights you need to succeed. From crafting authentic messaging to leveraging the latest digital strategies, we help you connect with travelers, increase enplanements, and elevate your airport’s brand. Reach out today to learn more about how Advance Aviation can help you achieve your marketing goals.

With 25 years of media and marketing experience, Christina leads the team at Advance Aviation with a clear focus: helping non-hub airports nationwide increase enplanements, reduce leakage, and boost community commitment to flying local. Christina and her team provide their airport partners with cutting-edge technology and expertise, delivering consistent, results-driven strategies centered on digital marketing.

 

 

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.

By Jiri Marousek, President & Chief Executive Officer – NATA Compliance Services d/b/a Airtera

Modern airports face increasing challenges in managing security and compliance while keeping operations functioning at their highest potential. Identity Management Systems (IDMS) must now meet minimum standards to address these needs effectively. Automation, self-service, real-time monitoring, biometric integration, and seamless regulatory compliance are essential. Yet, many existing systems still rely on outdated processes, creating inefficiencies that airports can no longer afford.

The Challenges of Legacy IDMS

 Many airports continue to rely on IDMS platforms built for an earlier, less complex era. These systems create roadblocks in several key areas:

1. Manual, Paper-Based Processes: Legacy platforms often require manual steps for background checks, training, and renewals, causing delays and additional administrative work.
2. Limited Automation: Without automation, tasks like compliance tracking and badge renewals become labor-intensive and prone to errors.
3. Inflexible Technology: Older systems often lock airports into specific hardware or access control vendors, restricting their ability to adopt new technologies.
4. Costly Updates: Regulatory changes or system upgrades typically require expensive change orders, creating financial and operational strain.
5. Scalability Challenges: Managing multiple locations or scaling for growth is difficult, as legacy systems lack the flexibility needed for centralized operations.

These limitations, among others, highlight the need for systems that are designed to handle today’s regulatory and operational complexities.

 What a Modern IDMS Must Deliver

To meet the demands of airport modernization, an IDMS must include the following capabilities as a baseline:

1. Automation of Core Processes: Automating tasks like training assignments, compliance tracking, and renewals saves time, reduces errors, and ensures smoother operations.
2. Self-Service Tools: Badge holders should have the option to manage their own onboarding, training, and credential renewals, reducing the burden on administrative teams.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: An IDMS must provide real-time updates for background checks, training completions, and credential issuance to eliminate delays.
4. Flexible Integrations: Biometric, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Access Control Systems (ACS), and other integration capabilities for enrollment and access control enhance security and streamline operations, making them critical.
5. Proactive Compliance: An IDMS should adapt to regulatory changes seamlessly, without the need for costly updates or disruptions.
6. Scalability for Multi-Location Management: A modern platform must support multi-airport operations, ensuring consistent management across all facilities.

How Innovation Addresses Industry Needs

An IDMS with the capabilities listed above can address these challenges effectively. By integrating automation, biometrics, and regulatory expertise, such platforms set a new standard for efficiency and adaptability as airports’ needs change. With self-service enablement, operators can also empower badge holders to manage their own onboarding and renewal tasks while administrative resources are freed, improving efficiency.

These capabilities demonstrate how modern platforms address industry demands and provide the tools airports need to adapt to evolving requirements.

Moving Forward

The features discussed here are no longer aspirational, they are essential for meeting the operational and regulatory demands of today’s aviation environment. Systems that fail to deliver these capabilities leave airports exposed to inefficiencies, compliance risks, and unnecessary costs.

The transition from legacy systems to modern platforms is not just about embracing new technology—it’s about meeting the needs of a rapidly changing industry. Platforms like NATA CS, d/b/a AirTera, show that these challenges can be addressed with solutions that are efficient, scalable, and built to handle the future of aviation security. For airports, adopting such systems is not an upgrade—it’s a necessity to remain compliant, secure, and operationally efficient.

Jiri Marousek
President & Chief Executive Officer – NATA Compliance Services d/b/a Airtera

Jiri Marousek is a visionary leader driving innovation in safety, security, and compliance through advanced technology solutions. As President and CEO of NATA Compliance Services (NATA CS) d/b/a AirTera, he is redefining industry standards by delivering integrated, real-time solutions that empower aviation operators, ground operations, service providers, and airports.

 

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.