Press Release: AAAE’s ACT Releases Workforce Development Guidebook to Support the Future Aviation Workforce

For Immediate Release
November 9, 2026

Alexandria, Va. - The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) has released the ACT Workforce Development Guidebook, developed through the Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) in partnership with Mead & Hunt, Inc. This new industry resource provides airports - particularly small, non-hub, and general aviation - with practical strategies to address workforce challenges and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

As global air travel is projected to reach 19.5 billion passengers by 2042 - more than double 2024 levels - the demand for a skilled airport workforce is expected to grow significantly. At the same time, many smaller airports face unique challenges related to limited staffing, constrained financial resources, and geographic barriers. In response, the ACT Workforce Development Task Force explored these challenges and identified actionable solutions tailored to the needs of airports across the country.

Developed through a combination of industry research and structured interviews with 15 ACT member airports, the guidebook reflects real-world insights and peer-driven experiences shaping workforce strategies today. Participating airports include Appleton International Airport, Bangor International Airport, Chehalis-Centralia Airport, Eagle County Airport, El Paso International Airport, Eugene Airport, Fairbanks International Airport, Gary/Chicago International Airport, King County International Airport-Boeing Field, Naples Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Van Nuys Airport (Los Angeles World Airports), and Willow Run Airport (Wayne County Airport Authority).

A Practical Framework for Strengthening the Airport Workforce

The guidebook is built around four core pillars: recruitment, development, retention, and future planning. It provides airports with a structured approach to workforce planning, supported by case studies, best practices, and measurable performance metrics.

The guidebook also outlines key recommendations for airports, including:

• Institutionalizing workforce development as a core organizational function
• Expanding early talent pipelines and community outreach efforts
• Leveraging funding and partnerships for training and upskilling
• Preparing for future workforce needs and technological transformation
• Strengthening collaboration across the aviation ecosystem

By translating these principles into actionable strategies, the guidebook helps airports move from reactive hiring to proactive workforce planning.

Industry Leaders Highlight the Importance of Workforce Investment

"The ACT Workforce Development Guidebook is a critical resource for airports working to strengthen and modernize the aviation talent pipeline," said Courtney Johnson, Director of Airports, County of San Luis Obispo. "It offers practical strategies rooted in real airport experiences and highlights the power of community partnerships in building the workforce of the future. Airports of every size can benefit from the tools and insights in this guide."

"The aviation industry is a hidden gem in the professional world," said Anita Cobb, Market Leader - Aviation Equity Strategies, Mead & Hunt. "And we are learning that the same concept for airports applies to the workforce - when you've seen one employee, you've seen one employee. The ACT Workforce Development Guidebook is a first step in understanding how airports can meet people where they are while creating a workforce that is engaged, retained, and responsive."

The report is now available for download in the ACT repository.

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