BTS HELPS MAC WIN ANOTHER TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARD

On December 15th, 2020 the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) which manages the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport received a Technology Innovation Award in the Operations Category from the Government Technology publication for their Special Districts Award programs.  Over 200 nominations were submitted.

This award was announced at the December 21st, 2020 MAC Full Commission meeting.  See details below for further information.

For further details click on the links below:

♦  Government Technology Special Districts Technology Innovation Award: Operations

♦  MAC December 21, 2020 Full Commission Award Announcement

♦  Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

♦  Metropolitan Airports Commission

Submission Details

The aviation industry was highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Normal activity levels and routines have been altered significantly as travelers, airlines and airports adjust to decreased travel demand and increased public health requirements. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) operates the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six smaller airports in the region. The organization did not foresee such a dramatic change in daily life and had to adjust to its impact in real-time.

In Spring 2020, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) began to staff an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to respond effectively to these changes. To make informed, data-driven decisions, EOC staff needed access to useful and timely information. An airport the size of MSP produces an amazing amount of data. The staff at the MAC was able to collect, organize, analyze, and deliver key performance indicators regarding the impact of COVID-19 to the EOC quickly and efficiently.

Key data was assembled to quantify a myriad of important areas. Specifically, aircraft takeoffs and landings, aircraft parking statistics, passenger vehicle parking and movement data, staff availability, and personal protective equipment material inventories were all collected. These data were then transformed into key performance indicators and delivered seamlessly to the EOC using business intelligence dashboards. The availability of this information allowed for informed decision making and situational awareness to the magnitude of the crisis the airport was navigating.

This effort was led by Neil Ralston, Brian Hugh, Chris Marquardt, Mike Gee and Brad Juffer with data delivered by multiple departments across the enterprise.