TWIN CITIES 2050 REGIONAL AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE

The Twin Cities 2050 Regional Aviation System Plan explores the current state of aviation within the seven-county metro region and identifies changes expected over the next 20 years. The Metropolitan Council, while not an airport owner, is required by state law to plan for the regional aviation system, approves major projects at regional airports, is responsible for land use planning and economic development, and works with aviation stakeholders to ensure the region’s airports remain viable, safe, and beneficial to their communities.

These trend papers explore emerging industry and regulatory trends in the nation and serve as the main analysis for the 2050 Regional Aviation System Plan Update.

• Advanced Air Mobility Trends (PDF)
• Aircraft Noise Trends (PDF)
• Aviation Fuels and Alternative Power Sources Trends (PDF)
• FAA, MnSASP and Industry Change Trends (PDF)
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Trends (PDF)
• Airport Classification Trends (PDF)

This comprehensive aviation plan will serve as a foundation for sustainable and strategic airport development across the Twin Cities region, ensuring that aviation continues to be a vital part of the local economy and transportation network.

Project Goals

The Regional Aviation System Plan aims to:

• Preserve existing airports: Support public ownership, partnerships, and sustainable planning for regional airports.
• Improve safety and security: Upgrade infrastructure to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards, enhance emergency airport capabilities, improve perimeter security, and ensure airport safety standards meet MnDOT requirements.
• Increase efficiency: Enhance system integration and reduce or eliminate operational constraints.
• Benefit communities: Implement protective land use policies, improve airport connectivity, and foster community engagement.
• Anticipate future trends: Analyze the impacts of emerging aviation technologies such as drones, urban air mobility, and sustainable aviation solutions.

Key Tasks

1. Review existing plans: Assess prior aviation system plans and integrate recent federal and state updates.
2. Data collection inventory: Compile aviation system data and establish an ongoing data maintenance strategy.
3. Trend analysis: Study the impact of new technologies, the COVID-19 recovery in aviation, and understand sustainable aviation opportunities in the region and changes in federal regulations.
4. Demand forecasting: Analyze historical trends and project aviation demand for the next 20 years.
5. System capability assessment: Evaluate airport infrastructure and develop an airport “report card.”
6. Development options: Define potential system growth strategies and policy recommendations.
7. Cost and implementation priorities: Identify necessary infrastructure projects and estimate costs for short, medium, and long-term horizons.
8. Stakeholder engagement: Conduct meetings with advisory groups, policymakers, and community stakeholders to gather input and present findings.

Deliverables

• Updated 2050 aviation section to the Transportation Policy Plan.
• Airport capability assessments for regional airports.