Trade association Airports Council International (ACI) World has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to launch a project designed to address the energy, infrastructure and financing needs of airports.

The initiative, known as Airports of Tomorrow, brings together about 50 public and private stakeholders with the shared aim of helping airports transform from passenger hubs into energy hubs. It consolidates aviation decarbonization work previously done by the WEF through its Clean Skies for Tomorrow and Target True Zero projects.

“Decarbonization is a critical global issue that requires a global response,” ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira says. “It is an exciting time for airports. The energy transformation presents them with an opportunity to further lead and change the future of aviation for the better.”

Airports of Tomorrow will explore the requirements for airports’ energy transition, including hydrogen and battery electric propulsion, the electrification of airport services, the scale-up of biofuel and synthetic SAF, and new innovations in urban and advanced air mobility. Partners on the initiative include Airbus, BP, ICAO, McKinsey & Company, Oliver Wyman and Shell.

The WEF’s head of climate strategy, Lauren Uppink, says that if the right planning and investment decisions are made today, airports will be able to “fulfil their potential as clean energy hubs and standard-bearers” for a net-zero economy.

Airports of Tomorrow was launched at the ACI Europe/ACI World Annual General Assembly in Barcelona, Spain.