ACRP Insight Event: Future of Aviation with AERIAL FUTURES’ Agatha Kessler and Max Hirsh 

March 22-23, 2022
Keck Center, Washington D.C.

OVERVIEW

The aviation industry is constantly changing. Some trends we can predict and others we can barely imagine. As we emerge from the greatest challenge to commercial aviation in recent memory and head into recovery from the global pandemic, practitioners are seeking to understand how the aviation industry can prepare for the next set of challenges and disruptions. Just as deregulation changed the industry dramatically in the 1970s, recent and emerging technologies are currently transforming the aviation industry today. It is important for industry practitioners to understand, prepare for, and adapt to emerging trends such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), on-demand aviation services, smaller aircraft and intraregional flights, electrification of fleets and eventually aircraft, commercial supersonic flight, digitization and automation and sustainable aviation jet fuels (SAJFs) for example.  

There is no shortage of events that focus on the near-term future of aviation; however, this event provides a venue for thought leaders to discuss and consider the opportunities and trends that will shape aviation and airports in the mid to long term. This in-depth, face-to-face gathering is designed to promote communication and collaboration, foster innovation, and help identify areas of future interest and research. The Future of Aviation Insight Event will bring together experts (including Agatha Kessler, Chair of AERIAL FUTURES and Panel Chair of ACRP, and Max Hirsh, AERIAL FUTURES Board member) from across the industry for two days of thought-provoking dialog to consider what the next 20, 30 and 50 years might look like for aviation, centered around four key themes: People, Infrastructure, Technology & Innovation, and Climate.

This event will provide a venue for thought leaders to discuss the opportunities and trends shaping aviation and airports of the future. We hope to promote communication and collaboration, foster innovation, and identify areas of future research. Aviation experts will convene for two days of thought-provoking dialog to consider four key themes: People, Infrastructure, Technology & Innovation, and Climate. 

 

PROGRAM

  • Passengers, Customers and Workforce of the Future

    Morning 1

    8:45-9:10 AM

    AERIAL FUTURES Chair Agatha Kessler will kick off the event, where leaders will provide insight into the Future of Aviation and preview the four main themes of the event – People, Infrastructure, Innovation and Technology, and Climate.

    Morning 2

    9:15-10:30 AM

    Passengers and Customers

    The first panel discussion will explore topics and trends related to passengers and customers in our industry. The speakers will consider what the future passenger journey experience will be, what services passengers and customers might want and expect, how automation and artificial intelligence will impact or facilitate the journey, challenges and opportunities surrounding passenger data and privacy, public health considerations and more 

    Morning 3

    10:50-12:05 PM

    Aviation Workforce of the Future

    The second People-themed panel will focus on the main drivers regarding the future of the aviation workforce. We will address the skills that will be needed in the future, which roles might be replaced by technology, how universities are preparing the future workforce, what careers will be in highest demand, how aviation will compete with other industries and non-traditional career paths.

    Afternoon

    12:05-1:10 PM

    Luncheon

    Speaker: Max Hirsh, PhD, Managing Director of the Airport City Academy

    Max Hirsh pioneered the airport urbanism (AU) method: a customer-focused approach to developing airports and planning the airport area. Passionate about aviation, he works with airports, municipalities, developers, and design firms around the world to help shape the future of airports and the cities that they serve. Focusing on technology, sustainability, innovation, and the future airport business model, his inspirational talks offer a fresh perspective on the key challenges facing airports and cities today.

    Afternoon 1

    1:15-2:30PM

    Airport Infrastructure

    This panel will focus on significant drivers shaping airports as they plan, design, and build infrastructure to meet future needs. Panelists will consider: the evolution of airport infrastructure and how to consider multi-modal travel; resiliency to acute shocks and chronic stressors; planning and design for new entrants and flexible infrastructure for changing demands; sustainability and environmental constraints and opportunities, shifting community and public expectations; automation; increasing types and availability of data; and revenue and financial considerations.

    Afternoon 2

    2:30-3:45 PM

    Airspace Infrastructure

    During this conversation, panelists consider airspace infrastructure, modernization and transformation, the integration and impact of new and reimagined technologies such as supersonic and hypersonic aircraft, commercial space, integrated multi-modal networks, AAM and automation.

    Afternoon 3

    4:05-5:00 PM

    Participant Breakout Discussions

    Discussions with participants about People, Infrastructure, Innovation and Technology, and Climate.

  • Morning 1

    8:45-9:10AM

    Preview of Day 2

    Morning 2

    9:15-10:30 AM

    Technology and Innovation

    In this session, panelists will touch on a broad range of topics related to emerging technologies and innovation that will transform the aviation sector to inspire participant dialog and discussion. Topics may include digitization, integration of platforms and data streams, cybersecurity, data verification and validation, artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

    Morning 3

    10:50-12:05 PM

    Climate Change and Sustainability

    Climate change is a global threat that requires action from governments, industry, organizations, and individuals. The aviation industry’s ability to address its contributions to and adapt to the effects of climate change is already impacting the industry and continues to grow in significance. This panel will review the challenges and opportunities presented to the future of aviation by a changing physical and regulatory climate, including topics such as operational impacts, emerging alternative fuels, electric aircraft, decarbonization, infrastructure requirements, passenger and community expectations, flight shaming, etc.

    Afternoon

    Afternoon 1

    1:50-2:00 PM

    Participant Breakout Discussion- Technology, Innovation and Climate

    Audience divided into several groups for a breakout discussion on technology, innovation and climate topics. Each group will be managed by a facilitator and will consider the trends in the midterm and long term (2035 vs 2060+), and ACRP research needs.

    Afternoon 2

    2:05-3:00 PM

    Participants Choice Discussion

    An opportunity for discussion and Q&A on topics provided by participants through a live poll or issues raised during the breakout discussion groups.

    Afternoon 3

    3:05-3:45 PM

    Closing Session

    Recap of Day 2 discussion, key takeaways, and closing remarks.