Index of aviation projects launches

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The Airport Innovation Accelerator recently launched the Airport Innovation Index, a list of creative aviation projects. The purpose of the index is to increase awareness, collaboration, and innovation across airports.

Sharing information is crucial for the aviation community to survive, the Airport Innovation Accelerator said.

Index users can search the list by airport or project type and then can ask for advice on their upcoming projects.

“Airports run creative projects all the time, but it’s difficult to know who is doing what,” said Justin Erbacci, chief technology and innovation officer at Los Angeles World Airports, and Dave Wilson, director of airport innovation at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “Knowing what our peers are doing allows us to learn together and innovate more effectively.”

Erbacci and Wilson are co-chairmen of the Airport Innovation Steering Group.

Only airports can submit projects. All projects added by May 3 will be eligible to win an Airport Innovation Award, presented at the Annual Airport Innovation Forum in July.

The index currently lists four projects — three with Greater Rochester International Airport and one with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The American Association of Airport Executives established the Airport Innovation Accelerator to allow airports to work directly with airlines, regulators, start-ups and corporate leaders.