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...

Investments in baggage handling systems are crucial to airport operations and customer satisfaction, yet decisions are often made solely based on initial capital investment without considering the total cost of ownership (TCO). A TCO analysis could lead to cost savings and opportunities for innovation, energy efficiency, and automation. ACRP Research Report 252: Airport Baggage Handling System Decision-Making Based on Total Cost of Ownership , from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, is designed ...

The travel experience can vary greatly for people embarking on the same journey. In particular, travelers with disabilities and older adults usually experience more challenges journeying through the airport. The TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program's ACRP Research Report 239: Assessing Airport Programs for Travelers with Disabilities and Older Adults provides the industry with resources and tools to enhance existing programs and services and develop new ones. The report also provides effective assess...

Human trafficking has emerged as a critical public concern, with tens of millions of global victims who are moved across international borders and between states using various forms of transportation, including buses, trains, and airplanes, among others. Traffickers may be transporting victims through airports, or victims may be traveling of their own accord, unaware that the job opportunity at the end of their journey is not legitimate. The TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program's ACRP Research Report...

An airport’s insurance program is just one component of its overall risk management program. An insurance program can be quite complex, addressing types of coverage, limits, retention amounts, and legal and contractual issues, among other factors. The TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program's ACRP Research Report 248: Airport Insurance Requirements provides best practices for airports developing an insurance program, including requirements for contracts with third parties doing business at the airport. ...