Robert B. Thomson

The strategic plan for the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) is designed to connect the world to the city and state, enhancing the community through a high-performing culture. It aims to deliver a world-class experience and create public value through excellent customer service, meaningful economic development, financial and environmental sustainability, a diverse workforce, and community engagement. The plan emphasizes enhancing the vision for IND and prioritizing actions to benefit the public, local economy, environment, and community.

The meeting agenda for February 20, 2026, included a public hearing and consideration for adoption of General Ordinance No. 01-2026, the revised Master Bond Ordinance. The Board was set to consider Resolution No. 04-2026 concerning a Lease Agreement with Air Express International USA, Inc. d/b/a DHL Global Forwarding. The General Agenda items for official action included approval for four Concession Agreements with CC Holdings, Inc. (featuring Java House Bistro, Lift Off featuring Daredevil Brewing Co., Shapiro's, and a rotating local brand space), approval for FTZ Operator Agreements with Simtra US LLC and Wabtec Transportation Systems LLC, and approval of a Land & Building Lease Agreement with Fly Safe, LLC. Capital agenda items involved approving the contract award for the 2026 Network Refresh, the purchase of electric buses and charging units from Gillig LLC, Amendment No. 2 with VTC for the Baggage Handling System Centralized Checked Baggage Inspection System, delegating authority to approve a construction contract for Economy Parking Lot Pavement Rehabilitation Package No. 4, Amendment No. 3 with CHA Consulting, Inc. for Runway 5L-23R Rehabilitation, and Amendment No. 1 with Woolpert, Inc. for Taxiway P Reconstruction.

The Indianapolis Airport implemented an electric shuttle bus fleet as a sustainability initiative. This project aims to reduce the airport's carbon footprint by 15 million pounds and decrease diesel usage by 66,000 gallons annually. It involved refurbishing 2001 bus chassis, thus diverting 90 tons of material from landfills, and converting them to all-electric operation. These electric buses can be fully charged in six hours and operate for 120 miles, covering a full eight-hour shift. The initiative has garnered positive feedback for the smooth and quiet ride, with plans to expand the fleet to become completely electric.

This document outlines the strategic framework for the Indianapolis International Airport, focusing on maintaining its status as a world-class airport and economic driver. Key strategic objectives include cultivating a high-performing, service-oriented culture, ensuring continuous alignment with key stakeholders, fostering community engagement through diversity and safety, and driving regional economic development. The plan also prioritizes long-term environmental sustainability, sound financial stability, and continuously enhancing the passenger experience by integrating local culture and advanced technology.

This document outlines the strategic direction for the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA), which operates the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The strategy focuses on cultivating a high-performing culture to deliver world-class service, maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, and fostering continuous community engagement. Key priorities include ensuring passenger safety and security, promoting economic development through strategic land use and job creation, and achieving long-term stability and sustainability through environmental stewardship and sound financial planning. Additionally, the IAA is committed to enhancing the customer experience through technological upgrades and creating a unique sense of place reflecting Indiana's culture.