Community connections
Building connections between the MAC and the communities it serves is critical to the organization’s ability to provide exceptional airport experiences so Minnesota thrives.
MSP Airport Police Department outreach
Knowing that airports can be a primary channel for human trafficking, the Airport Police Department (APD) launched a campaign to increase public awareness of human trafficking and encourage travelers and employees to contact police if they see signs of human trafficking at MSP.
Noise Oversight Committee
The Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) is an advisory board established to address aircraft noise issues associated with MSP. Since the NOC first convened 20 years ago, it has held more than 120 meetings and 80 community input and listening sessions. The NOC has provided a balanced forum and amassed an industry-leading record of more than 300 accomplishments aimed at reducing noise in partnership with the community, airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration and the MAC.
MSP Airport Noise Classification System receives U.S. patent
The MAC earned a U.S. patent in 2023 for a new sound imaging classification technology developed to support the MSP noise program. Using machine learning, the Airport Noise Classification Method and System identifies sounds captured by nearly 40 sound-monitoring devices located around MSP and under common flight paths. The program classifies sounds from aircraft, filtering out other noises common in an urban environment such as motor vehicles, lawnmowers, fireworks or weather events.
MSP Long-Term Plan
During the summer of 2023, the MAC accepted public comments on its draft 2040 Long-Term Plan for MSP. This plan guides MSP’s development to ensure it keeps pace with future growth in passengers and air service demand. The plan includes proposed projects to improve MSP facilities.
Following review by the Metropolitan Council, the MSP Long-Term Plan will go before the commission for a vote to adopt it. Upon the plan’s adoption, the MAC will follow the required environmental review process and vote on separate budget actions to authorize construction of specific projects in the plan.
A summer AirVenture
The MAC participated in the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The EAA Air Show is the nation's largest air show. Vintage, homebuilt, ultralight, warbirds, seaplanes and aerobatic airplanes are among the types of aircraft typically seen at the show. The event was an opportunity to engage with aviation enthusiasts about opportunities associated with the MAC and its system of reliever airports.
Arts@MSP
Every year the Arts@MSP program brings nearly 1,000 performances and hundreds of local and regional artworks to MSP. In 2023, internationally renowned artist Kipp Kobayashi interacted with thousands of Twin Cities residents and MSP travelers to inform the design of an original centerpiece artwork for the new two-story G concourse rotunda. Commissioned by the Arts@MSP program, the piece is expected to be installed in 2025 and will join a collection of 80 permanent works at MSP curated by the Arts@MSP program, a program of the Airport Foundation MSP.
Eighteen new exhibitions were installed or scheduled for installation across MSP during 2023. This included the unveiling of the University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project’s innovative solar‐powered vehicle, Freya, in the Silver Ramp Ground Transportation Center, and Annie Young’s exhibit titled “Journey to Rock Bottom.” This exhibit used the AIRA platform to provide visually impaired visitors with audio descriptions and assistance in navigating the exhibition, creating an inclusive and immersive experience for all.
State of the Airport
Each year, the Airport Foundation MSP hosts the State of the Airport luncheon. Through this event, the MAC connects with supporters, businesses, and regional leaders to share how the MAC and MSP support air travel, commerce, and overall economic growth in the Twin Cities and across the state. This year, a record 475 attendees heard from keynote speaker Peter Carter, executive vice president of external affairs for Delta Air Lines, about the airline’s Minnesota operations and recent investments.