What is the Airport City Academy?

Airport City Academy is an executive education and research center that equips airports with the tools they need to develop successful airport real estate. Designed for airport decision makers—and for developers and planners working in airport areas—ACA’s intensive courses are tailored to the needs of busy professionals who are eager to expand their knowledge in a short time. Participants will learn how to: 

• create a compelling vision that leverages the airport’s USPs
• drive the project forward from concept to implementation
• create a solid business case
• attract investors and end users
• align commercial & design objectives
• decide which delivery model is the best fit

ACA is led by Dr. Max Hirsh (PhD, Harvard) and Pieter van der Horst (MRE MRICS), two leading global experts with complementary backgrounds in aviation, real estate, and urban development. Guest lectures by experienced professionals highlight the “big picture” issues that determine the success or failure of any airport-led development.

Click here for our brochure

Courses

ACA courses take place in person and online. Expert presentations, group discussions, and site visits empower our members to apply real-world learning to their own unique challenges and opportunities.

ACA offers 3 course options:

ACA Zurich Our flagship course—offered in partnership with Zurich Airport—provides a thorough grounding in airport real estate and airport-led urban development. Day 1 focuses on proven success strategies, business models & emerging opportunities. Day 2 empowers our members to deepen their knowledge of critical success factors (e.g. investment attraction) and common airport real estate products (e.g. hotels).

• format: in-person
• length: 2 days
• audience: new members & ACA alumni

Click here for a sample course program

Apply to ACA Zurich

ACA Global ACA offers courses around the world in partnership with local host institutions and event organizers. We work together with our partners to localize the curriculum for these 1- and 2-day courses, ensuring they align with the specific challenges and opportunities in their world region.

• format: in-person or online
• length: ½, 1 or 2 days
• minimum participants: 15

Click here for a sample course program

Inquire about partnership opportunities

ACA In-House These bespoke courses are tailored to meet the needs of an individual airport, developer, or public authority. We work together with the sponsor to develop a unique course format, timetable, and team of instructors.

• format: in-person or online
• length: ½, 1 or 2 days

Click here for a sample course program

Inquire about an in-house course

Advisory

ACA serves as expert advisor for airport real estate and airport-led urban development projects. Our services include:

Real Estate Quick Scan – an expert assessment of where you stand & what to do next
ACA’s Quick Scan is a rapid, 3-step analysis of your airport’s real estate portfolio, designed to identify quick wins and future revenue opportunities. We work closely with your team to review the current situation and benchmark it against international best practices. Clear, actionable recommendations empower decision makers to maximize the value of the airport’s land assets.

Positioning & Market Sounding
We help airports define their USPs and develop clear, effective marketing materials. We then test investor appetite through structured market soundings. This ensures opportunities are both attractive and credible to investors.

Tenders
We support airports in preparing tenders, evaluating proposals, and moderating negotiations with bidders. Our role is to attract qualified development partners, improve decision quality, and reduce delivery risks.

Expert Research
ACA prepares research studies and expert opinions for airports, investors, and public authorities. Our independent, evidence-based analysis supports informed decision-making on complex airport-related developments. Recent projects include:

• benchmark study of airport real estate values
• expert opinion on permissible airport area land uses
• expert review of airport city masterplan
• feasibility study for aviation research center
• benchmark study of airport entertainment destinations

Inquire about our advisory services

Meet the Experts

Airport City Academy is led by subject matter experts with extensive experience across all stages of project development. With complementary backgrounds in aviation, real estate, and urban development, they provide thought leadership on the key legal, commercial, and design drivers of success. 

Pieter van der Horst

Pieter van der Horst (MSc MRE MRICS) is Managing Director of the Airport City Academy and a leading expert on airport real estate development. Pieter has served as project director at Schiphol Real Estate and Schiphol Area Development Company, where he manages a portfolio of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties. He has also served as CCO and commercial advisor to airports in Africa, India, and the Middle East.

Alumni

ACA maintains an active global alumni network of airports, developers, and planners working across 30 countries on 5 continents. Meet-ups and webinars provide our members with a wealth of opportunities to network, seek advice, and learn from each other’s successes.

ACA alumni are actively shaping the future of major global hubs and promising rising stars. Click here for a complete list.

According to our alumni survey, 96% of recent graduates would recommend ACA to a colleague. Hear what they have to say:

“Be prepared to get engaged, participate, and share ideas. It’s a great experience.”
Vince Dancho, Senior Vice President, Winnipeg Airports Authority

“It’s a great opportunity to get an in-depth review of best practices in airport city development—and to meet professionals from all over the world.”
Arturo Vera, Director of Real Estate, Lima Airport Partners

“I like the small group size. It’s a good way to get to know other colleagues working on similar topics.”
Petr Fabricky, Director of Development, Prague International Airport

Apply Now

Airport City Academy is pleased to offer the following courses:

ACA Zurich

Application portal is currently closed. Click below to be notified about future course dates.

ACA Global

Offered year-round for a minimum of 15 participants. Local hosts / event organizers: click below to explore partnership opportunities.

ACA In-House

Offered year-round on behalf of an individual airport, developer, or public authority. Click below to inquire about an in-house course.

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