Business View Magazine | May 2021

75 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MAY 2021 A I RPORT CONSULTANTS COUNC I L activities. “Eventually, we brought in companies that do preliminary planning and environmental reviews. A lot of those companies grew beyond design into other areas of airport development. So we were very heavy on planning, design, and architecture. Then in the early 1990s, we brought in a number of vendors that provide and sell products to airports – anything from lighting systems, to IT, security equipment, etc. “Since 2000, we’ve evolved to have over 240 companies covering all aspects of airports. Continuing with planning, design, and architecture, we brought on a number of contractors. And after 9/11, a lot of companies became very focused on security, particularly on passenger and baggage screening. Right now we have a huge diversity of companies involved in all aspects of airport development and operations.” BVM: What are your key focus areas? from near and far – is slated to run from October 24-26, 2021 in Silverado, Napa. Business View recently spoke with the President of Airport Consultants Council, T.J. Schulz, about the industry as a whole, and the important role that ACC plays in advancing airport development innovation and best practices and as a valuable resource for its members. The following are highlights of the conversation. BVM: Can you share the background history of ACC? Schulz: “ACC started back in 1978, over a delayed airport funding bill for the FAA. A number of consultants got together under the premise that not only do the airports have a vested stake in funding but so does the private sector – the companies hired by airports to plan, design, and construct their infrastructure and facilities. That’s how it started and it was heavily focused on companies that provide professional services, in particular airfield design and other design