The airport industry relies upon unbiased research to address today’s evolving challenges. Established in 2005, the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) serves as a trusted partner to airport professionals nationwide, offering free research-based solutions, including case studies, guidance and tools for the airport industry. This year ACRP is celebrating its 20th anniversary, recognizing the partnerships, programmatic resources, and research that have supported evidence-based solutions to address the challenges that 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 20th 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 20th 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 create the tools they need. Carlos Ruiz, Director of Commercial Management at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), shared that, “as a young professional, ACRP has been instrumental in expanding my understanding of the complex challenges facing the airport industry. Their industry-driven research is not only insightful but also highly applicable across many aspects of airport management.”
Beyond delivering valuable research, the program offers opportunities for professionals at every career stage. These activities not only contribute to ACRP’s programming, but they strengthen the entire airport community by building relationships, promoting airport knowledge, and supporting professional development. By staying engaged, airport professionals help ensure that ACRP research reflects real-world needs and delivers solutions that matter.
Seasoned airport professionals to new practitioners can benefit from being from participating in ACRP in numerous ways:
- 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 20th 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 bridges research to practice, ideas to action, and professionals to each other.
