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    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Identifying and Developing the Core Capabilities of an Airport Emergency Management Program



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2679053</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Airports must manage all-hazards events, which occur from time to time. Airports should be proactive in addressing the needs for the development and implementation of Emergency Management (EM) frameworks and core capabilities to build preparedness. As airports move toward the establishment or expansion of their EM initiatives, they should understand airport organizational designs of EM, training needs, guidelines, and requirements in the development, implementation, and sustainability of EM core capabilities. Airports should consider opportunities to explore lessons learned from airport case studies and examine interdependent industries and related disciplines with emerging risks to identify commonalities and variances. This project will assist airports in establishing and maintaining their EM programs through and standardized approach of continuous process improvement.

The objective of this research is to develop a guide of standardized core capabilities. The core capabilities should include EM-specific benchmarks tailored for the airport EM function for airport sponsors and its stakeholders to continuously evaluate the strengths and opportunities in the development or improvement of a comprehensive EM framework. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:08:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2679053</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guide on Integrating and Advancing IT throughout the Airport



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588324</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In 2012, the ACRP published ACRP Report 59: Information Technology Systems at Airports—A Primer. As a primer, it attempts to holistically describe the technology landscape of an airport environment and help airport leaders and information technology (IT) professionals communicate about IT and appropriately plan and implement IT systems. Since it was published, many IT solutions have changed from discrete systems to integral parts of the modern digital ecosystem at many U.S. airports. The role of IT professionals and broader IT business units at airports has also evolved.

Building on ACRP Report 59, airports need a deeper discussion around the unique technological aspects of the modern airport industry to educate leaders and IT professionals coming from inside and outside the industry. Additionally, airport executives and IT leaders need guidance to address the integration of IT systems and solutions with other airport functions and business units to enable better data sharing, process optimization, and decision-making. Research is needed to identify effective strategies, frameworks, and examples that can guide airports in achieving this integration and advancing their IT maturity.

The objective of this research is to develop: (1) A guide to help airports strategically plan, implement, and maintain IT systems; (2) A primer for non-IT airport executives on the importance of collaboration between the IT unit and other internal stakeholders (e.g., operations, maintenance, planning, engineering) and of integrating IT considerations into key airport processes (e.g., capital planning, budgeting); and (3) A matrix of traditional and airport-specific IT systems and common characteristics, e.g., basic infrastructure requirements, internal and external users, the sizes and types of airports that might use the IT system, and applicable regulatory entities.

The guidebook, primer, and matrix must be scalable to all sizes of airports, speak to both IT professionals and airport executives, and address varying levels of maturity in the relationships between IT and internal and external stakeholders.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:36:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588324</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guide to Operational Resilience for Disruptive Events at Airports</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588326</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Airports must deal with an array of challenges caused by infrequent but highly disruptive events, extreme weather, cyberattacks, cascading irregular operations, and other disruptions that can severely impair or halt critical functions and have an impact on facilities, passengers, employees, stakeholders, and the surrounding communities. Airports must be operationally resilient to withstand, adapt to, and continue providing service during any disruptive event. This requires many airport functional areas and stakeholders that may be affected (including operations, safety, emergency management, planning, and tenants) to have a role in the response. 

Research is needed to deliver clear, actionable guidance that enables airports of all sizes to build robust operational resilience plans for disruptive events.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research are to (1) develop a guide to support airports of all sizes building robust operational resilience plans to respond to disruptive events of any type by leveraging existing resources, tools, data, and proven practices, (2) develop a checklist for building operational resilience, and (3) identify funding sources, eligibility criteria, and application guidance for developing operational resilience plans.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:33:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588326</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ACRP Insight Event: Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through Extended Reality Technologies

</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588325</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The airport industry faces increasing pressure to enhance operational efficiency due to growing passenger demands, heightened security measures, and airspace constraints. Traditional training methods and operational workflows often rely on outdated systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. Building on the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Project 07-26, “Extended Reality Possibilities in the Airport Environment,” which identifies categories of extended reality (XR) technologies, their benefits, best-use applications, and airport “readiness” to implement them, further research is needed to explore how XR technologies can be applied to enhance operational efficiencies at airports.  

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to conduct an in-person ACRP Insight Event (see Special Note A) for airport-industry practitioners, relevant stakeholders, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to discuss XR technologies to determine how these technologies can be integrated into the airport environment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:26:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588325</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cyber Resilience in Airport Operations: Addressing Emerging Threats</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588333</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Reliance on cyber infrastructure in airport operations can introduce significant vulnerabilities in the face of evolving and unpredictable cyber threats. Airports serve as critical nodes in global transportation networks, hosting several stakeholders that depend on interconnected digital systems for air traffic management, passenger processing, security operations, and logistics. The rapid expansion of initiatives such as the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s (DFW) Data360 program highlights the essential need for robust and resilient frameworks. These frameworks should address immediate cybersecurity challenges and incorporate mechanisms for anticipation, absorption, recovery, and adaptation to ensure operational continuity. 

As airports encounter an expanding attack surface, they must recognize the importance of integrating cyber resilience into their operational strategies. This includes the need for improved staffing, effective detection and response capabilities, and coordination among stakeholders to build a comprehensive defense against evolving threats. Regulatory compliance further complicates these efforts, as airports must protect sensitive information while adhering to various legal obligations. 

Research is needed to develop strategies and frameworks that will help airports prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks while ensuring operational continuity. 

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide that enables airports to evaluate their cyber resiliency, assess their current posture relative to industry’s best practices and evolving cyber threats, and strengthen their defenses providing actionable strategies for improvement. 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:14:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588333</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementing Safety Management Systems at Small-Hub, Non-Hub, and General Aviation Airports


</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588321</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A safety management system (SMS) is a formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and ensuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls. It includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for managing safety risk. 

In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published its long-awaited final rule on SMSs for Part 139 airports. Airports certificated under 14 CFR Part 139 must comply with the rule if they meet any of the following triggers: are classified as a large, medium, or small hub (see Special Note A); have a 3-year rolling average of 100,000 or more total annual operations; or serve any international operation other than general aviation (GA). Many small-hub and non-hub airports that fall under this requirement face staffing and resource constraints, which lead to significant challenges during the initial development and implementation phases.

Research is needed to identify and address the challenges faced by airports, particularly GA and other smaller airports, that do not fall under existing regulatory triggers but may wish to implement an SMS voluntarily. These airports need guidance and scalable resources that enable the implementation of SMS elements in a manner proportionate to their operational complexity while maintaining effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

The objectives of this research are to develop (1) a guide for developing and implementing an SMS and (2) a structured, step-by-step roadmap for the phased implementation of a scalable SMS program. The audience is airports with limited financial and human resources, including but not limited to small-hub, non-hub, and GA airports (see Special Note A) regardless of whether the airport meets the trigger requirements of 14 CFR Part 139 Subpart E–Airport Safety Management Systems. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:09:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588321</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Legal Aspects of Airport Programs. Topic 16-03. Legal Requirements and Liabilities Arising from Airport Security</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2555868</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Airports want to create a travel environment that is efficient and responsive to passengers' needs without compromising security. Airport operators share responsibility for the ever-evolving security requirements with federal and local agencies. Security practices should be designed with individuals’ rights in mind, but finding a balance between safety and security and individuals’ rights can be a challenge. These challenges encompass all passengers, visitors, and airport workers subject to security protocols.

Airports are confronted with a multifaceted framework of requirements related to security, such as constitutional and civil rights and privacy, and new requirements and technology add complexity. Research is needed to support airports to understand their legal responsibilities, the potential risks, and the implications for airport operations, passengers, and stakeholders.

The objective of the research is to examine public facing airport security measures and help airports understand the legal requirements and liabilities arising from airport security. The final report should: (1) provide stakeholders with the current legal and regulatory airport security requirements; (2) identify the parties responsible (e.g., airport operator, federal agency, etc.); and (3) identify additional practices undertaken by airports that are not required by current legal and regulatory airport security requirements. The report should identify and analyze the risks or exposures that may arise in the context of these requirements and practices. The report should identify and analyze novel legal issues involved with anticipated or proposed airport security measures.

The research should supplement ACRP Legal Research Digest 27: The Fourth Amendment and Airports to include relevant cases decided after that publication.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 14:39:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2555868</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Legal Aspects of Airport Programs. Topic 10-01A. Update of Compilation of FAA/DOT Airport Legal Determinations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2483173</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Background
ACRP Legal Research Digest 21: Compilation of DOT and FAA Airport Legal Determinations and Opinion Letters is a compilation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 14 C.F.R. Part 16 determinations and orders, FAA 14 C.F.R. Part 13 decisions, United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) 49 U.S.C. &sect; 47129 decisions, and legal opinion letters and related documents issued by the U.S. DOT General Counsel and FAA Chief Counsel as of 2017. FAA publishes Part 16 and Part 13 decisions online, but indexes them only by party name and docket number. ACRP LRD 21, which can be found at  https://crp.trb.org/acrplrd21/, indexes decisions by subject matter and is an extremely valuable research aid for airport operators, law firms, and consultants. This resource is updated annually.
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The objective of this research is to update the ACRP LRD 21 WebResource annually for four years through 2027.
 
STATUS: 2024 Abstracts are under review for publication. 2025 case reserach is in progress.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:11:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2483173</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Practices. Topic S07-06. Application of Large Language Models in Enhancing Airport Passenger Experience</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458785</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Airports today face an increasingly complex landscape characterized by a few challenges, such as operational inefficiencies, fluctuating passenger demands, and the ever-growing need to enhance the customer experience. These challenges are exacerbated by the dynamic nature of air travel, which demands rapid adaptation to changing conditions, whether due to unexpected surges in passenger numbers, shifts in travel patterns, or the need to respond to sudden disruptions. Traditional approaches to managing these issues relied on human inputs, which can cause delays, increased operational costs, and suboptimal passenger experiences. Large Language Models (LLMs) have the ability to interpret diverse forms of user textual inputs and generate contextual responses on demand. By processing vast amounts of data in real-time and efficiently delivering responses, LLMs have the potential to revolutionize the way airports interact with passengers and enhance operational efficiencies. Recognizing this potential, some airports have begun integrating this technology into their operations. However, it remains unclear how the broader airport industry can fully leverage LLMs. The potential costs and risks associated with adopting LLMs have yet to be thoroughly explored. 

The objective of this synthesis is to document how Large Language Models (LLMs) are being incorporated  into the airport environment to enhance passenger experience. The audience for this synthesis are airport practitioners that are responsible for passenger experience and those involved in technology evaluation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:38:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458785</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Practices. Topic S04-28. Safety and Security Considerations for EV Charging Infrastructure at Airports</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458787</link>
      <description><![CDATA[As more electric vehicles (EVs) are used for fleet, transit, and passenger vehicles;  transportation facilities, such as airports, bus depots, and state and local fleet depots may provide EV infrastructure to support these vehicles. Airports  handle a variety of different customer and tenant needs in relation to EV infrastucture; fleet and equipment owners will require airside infrastructure and transit or shuttle buses and passengers may need landside infrasture options. As EV infrastructure increases, the risks related to safety and security increase and must be addressed. As current national standards are limited and best practices are not well documented, research is needed to understand how airports are handling safety and security concerns in terms of both airside and landside EV infrastructure.

The objective of this synthesis is to document the existing practices related to safety and security of electric vehicle infrastructure for both airside and landside operations at airports. The audience for this report is airport planners, engineers, and managers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:25:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458787</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title> Guidelines for Managing Current and Future Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) Operations at Airports







</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413910</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:37:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413910</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ACRP Insight Event: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Airport Industry



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413898</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence (AI) technology and applications are growing exponentially across all industries. For airports, use of AI can result in improved operational efficiencies, more accurate traffic forecasting, and improved system diagnostics. While there is much interest in the possible applications of AI at airports, both the supporting technologies and possible applications are still at a nascent stage. There is much to be learned about the benefits, risks, and limitations—particularly in the areas of cyber and operational security, fact validation, legal issues, and public safety.

The objective of this project is to conduct an in-person ACRP Insight Event (see Special Note A) for airport-industry practitioners, relevant stakeholders, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to discuss the key factors related to the benefits, risks, and transformational aspects of AI technology for airports.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:19:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413898</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Safety Criteria for Use of Autonomous Service Vehicles on Airfields</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413896</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Airport operators are increasingly considering the use of autonomous ground vehicle systems (AGVS) in non-movement areas to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Various pilot programs have highlighted both the advantages and safety challenges associated with AGVS integration. Key issues include risks of collisions, potential system failures, and the interactions between AGVS, airport personnel, and traditional operations.
The aviation community recognizes safety management systems (SMS) as a best practice because they offer a structured and repeatable approach to identifying hazards and mitigating safety risks. For successful and safe implementation of AGVS, research is needed to help airport operators develop guidelines on conducting a safety risk assessment, for specific autonomous vehicle use cases, in the non-movement area. 
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide to help airport operators prepare and conduct a safety risk assessment for specific autonomous vehicle use cases in the non-movement area. At a minimum, the use cases will include: Cargo and baggage movement; Snow and deicing operations; Security; Landscape maintenance; Maneuvering aircraft; People movers; Aircraft parking guidance and Foreign object debris.


]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:13:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413896</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Planning and Implementing Emerging Airport Baggage Handling System Technologies






</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413895</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:07:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413895</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Legal Aspects of Airport Programs. Topic 16-02. Legal Issues Regarding Airport Congestion Management</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2403844</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective is to provide a full understanding of U.S. law, including statutory provisions and relevant administrative and judicial interpretations, applicable to the various aspects of airport congestion management and competitive access, including the authorities upon which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) relies to issue runway use authorizations, establish runway capacity limits, act as slot coordinator at congested airports, and engage in schedule facilitation; a survey of the legal authorities permitting and limiting the ability of airports to manage capacity; and an exposition of how the federal authority and airport proprietors' rights interact. 

As part of the legal analysis, the report will address the practical impact of congestion management practices on competitive air carrier access to affected airports, the extent of property rights over runway use slots, and the legal basis for slot trading and leasing. 

In addition, the project will compare U.S. runway congestion management laws and practices to the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) collectively published by the International Air Transport Association, Airports Council International, and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group, which serves as the modern foundation of the global slot coordination process. The analysis will note the WASG elements that cannot be implemented in the United States for lack of legal authority.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:59:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2403844</guid>
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