Industry-wide, airports are experiencing disruptive and continuous changes that include the rapid introduction of new technology, financial constraints, retirements, and the need to replace seasoned veterans. These changes are compounded by a diminishing pipeline of individuals interested in working at airports. ACRP Research Report 258: The Evolution of Knowledge Management at Airports , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, is a resource that airports can use to help mitigate the loss of ins...

Obstructions from trees around airports can hinder aircraft operations, requiring the airport to manage tree growth, both on and even off airport property. ACRP Research Report 259: Methods to Manage Tree Growth Near Airports , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, identifies the mitigation strategies to address immediate needs, and longterm planning.

To support safe operations, airport operators and tenants apply a variety of deicing and anti-icing chemicals (collectively, “deicers”) to aircraft and airport paved surfaces. ACRP Research Report 257: Guide for Treatment of Airport Stormwater Containing Deicers: Update , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, provides a comprehensive guide for selecting appropriate technologies to treat stormwater containing deicers at airports. Supplemental to the report are Appendix B: Deicer Treatment Techn...

Virtual ramp control (VRC) implementations have increasingly been occurring at airports over the past 5 years. More airport operators are interested in potentially implementing a VRC system as the technology proves viable. ACRP Research Report 256: Virtual Airport Ramp Control Operations Facilities: A Guide , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, aims to develop a guide that provides U.S. airport operators and their stakeholders with a roadmap and key information for implementing VRC systems a...

Airports face increasing regulatory and technical challenges for addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found on or near their facilities. Sources of PFAS may be attributable to activities such as the use of aqueous film forming foam during aircraft rescue and firefighting activities or from airport neighbors who use products that contain PFAS. ACRP Research Report 255: PFAS Source Differentiation Guide for Airports , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, provides recommended pr...

Airports are facing increasing difficulty in meeting funding needs via traditional revenue sources. New digital tools can be used to generate new revenue opportunities and enhance existing relationships with stakeholders. However, there has been little research on identifying and applying these new synergistic revenue-generating opportunities at airports. ACRP Research Report 251: Digital Marketing to Enhance Customer Experience and Increase Airport Revenue , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Progr...

People experiencing homelessness have been increasingly seeking shelter in airports. Homelessness at airports is a complex issue with no easy solutions. Airports and local communities need to work together to provide support for people experiencing homelessness, while also ensuring the safety and security of airport operations. ACRP Research Report 254: Strategies to Address Homelessness at Airports , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, provides airports and stakeholders with resources and s...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, airports faced challenges such as implementing health protocols, accessing trusted information, accommodating social distancing, and using effective technologies to control the spread of the virus. Public health officials interviewed for this report acknowledged a potential conflict between sustaining airport operations and promoting travel on the one hand and the need to implement certain health protocols to prevent disease transmission on the other. They also noted that pu...

The main wireless applications at airports—passenger connectivity and airport staff communications—are imposing increasing demands on wireless capacity. Demand for passenger mobile connectivity is skyrocketing as high-speed-capable devices proliferate, and passengers require enhanced connectivity either for work or entertainment during dwell times, including location-based services for a custom travel experience. The TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program's ACRP Research Report 242: Transformation in W...

The threat of wildlife strikes with aircraft is increasing due to larger bird populations and quieter aircraft. The challenge of managing this risk has prompted the development of Wildlife Hazard Management Plans (WHMPs) by airport operators, which are required to be reviewed regularly. However, there is little guidance available to assess the effectiveness of these plans over time. ACRP Research Report 250: Program Evaluation Report Card Tool for Wildlife Hazard Management Plans: User Guide , from TRB's...