The Runway Network

Step One: Review the program overview and eligibility requirements

Step Two: Complete the expression of interest form for The Runway Network. Once submitted, we will email you the official application to join as a Navigator or an Explorer.

Step Three: Complete the official application upon receipt.

Step Four: Prepare to be matched! Program administrators will make strategic pairings.

Step Five: Meet your match. After introductions, pairs will sign their partnership agreements and receive curated conversation starters from program administrators to jumpstart their first official meeting.

Step Six: Enjoy your one-year journey. Regular check-ins will be conducted by the program administrator. At the end of the one-year cycle, feedback will be gathered from all participants.

Navigator
Seasoned airport industry professional

• Be a member of ACI-NA in good standing and an active member of the MarComCX Committee in addition to at least one of its working groups for a minimum of three years.
• Have a minimum of 5+ years of experience in the airport industry.
• Have held a people-management leadership role.
• Available to dedicate 1 – 2 hours per month for a one-year cycle.

Explorer
Emerging leader

To apply to become an Explorer, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a member of ACI-NA in good standing and a member of the MarComCX Committee.
• Have fewer than 5 years of experience in the airport industry.
• Available to dedicate 1 – 2 hours per month for a one-year cycle.

Confidentiality: All discussions between paired Navigators and Explorers are strictly confidential. Please maintain a safe and private space where both parties can be candid and share vulnerabilities without fear of judgement.

Program Dynamics: Your official Navigator/Explorer pairing is designed for this one-year journey. While we encourage you to stay in touch informally after the program ends, the structured relationship will wrap up when the year concludes.

Frequency: Each pairing is encouraged to meet at least once in person during the one-year cycle. The in-person meeting may occur at an ACI-NA event; however, pairings are not limited to meeting only at ACI-NA events. You must commit to meeting virtually at least once per month within the one-year cycle.

In-Person Meetings: If you choose to meet in person, Navigator/Explorer meetings may include coffee, lunch, etc. Each party is expected to pay their own way.

Communication: Establish your communication preferences early on, including your preferred contact method and expected response times.

Administrative Support: If you feel your match is not a good fit, you are encouraged to contact the program administrator for assistance.

Promotion Materials: Participant names and photographs may be utilized by ACI-NA for promotional, marketing, and educational purposes.

Program Admission: While submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, every applicant’s file will be carefully reviewed.

No Commercial Solicitation: Participants may not use The Runway Network to pitch, market or sell products/services. This program is intended for professional development only.

Is the Runway Network open to all ACI-NA members?

This program is exclusively tailored to members of ACI-NA’s Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Committee.

Can I serve as a Navigator to multiple Explorers?

Yes. If your schedule allows, you can be matched with multiple Explorers. However, you cannot serve as a Navigator to more than three (3) Explorers at the same time.

Can I be matched with more than one Navigator?

To ensure every participant receives high-quality, dedicated support, Explorers are matched with one Navigator at a time. While our experienced Navigators may have the capacity to guide multiple Explorers, our program structure focuses on a dedicated 1:1 connection for each Explorer to maximize their growth and development.

How are Navigators and Explorers matched?

Mentorship pairings are made using a matching process that includes personality questionnaires, goal alignment, and skill balancing. Airport size comparison will also be taken into consideration. It is ACI-NA’s goal to create pairings based on complementary communication styles, values and desired advisory approach.

Will all participants be matched based on ACI-NA member type? (Airport members and World Business Partner/Associate members)

We strive to match participants based on their chosen member type in the application process; however, it is not guaranteed that all pairings will be of the same member category.

Will my match’s profession/specialty be the same as my own?

Your match’s specific specialty will depend on your selections during the application process as well as the pool of applicants. We cannot guarantee all participants will be matched with someone in the same field of study/ profession, although they will be closely related. Applicants will also be asked if they’d like to be paired with someone with a specialty outside of their own to gain insights on another discipline. Example: Airport Marketing & CX.

How long does the application process take?

The application process takes 4 to 6 weeks, starting from your initial expression of interest to the final match selection.