There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
In this episode of The Ways We Move podcast spotlights Clint Harper and his Harper4d company, an aviation strategist and urban planner with decades of military airport management experience. Host Nicolas Zart joins Clint for a forward-looking discussion on how airports can transform into resilient, multi-modal hubs suited for advanced air mobility (AAM).
Clint Harper’s career uniquely positions him at the intersection of operational discipline and city-focused innovation. He draws from decades of experience managing military airfields, emphasizing that resilience and adaptability are not just military traits—they should be at the heart of civilian airport management as AAM emerges. Harper describes how military bases have long operated as community lifelines in times of crisis, handling logistics far beyond civilian passenger travel, and he insists that today’s airports can and should play a similar central role in supporting communities during disruptions.
A pivotal point in the conversation is the “second life” of airports. Clint argues that airports, especially smaller regional hubs and rural airfields, are poised for revival as multi-modal mobility centers. These facilities are perfectly suited to become community resiliency hubs, supporting not only traditional aviation but also integrating electric aircraft, advanced air mobility vehicles, high-speed rail, micro-transit options, and last-mile cargo solutions. This multi-modal approach allows airports to serve wider populations—including those in underserved areas—by providing seamless connectivity between land and air transport. Nicolas Zart and Clint agree that successful AAM integration will rely just as much on collaboration with urban planning as with aviation expertise.
Infrastructure, in Harper’s vision, becomes more than a collection of runways and terminals; it’s a thriving ecosystem, a lifestyle asset for cities and regions. Harper explains that the airports of tomorrow must support a spectrum of mobility—from electric aviation charging stations for eVTOLs to integrated transport networks that bring together planes, trains, buses, bikes, and beyond. These sophisticated “multiports” will be equipped to handle evolving needs for energy transition, intermodal travel, and community-driven economic growth.
An especially compelling segment delves into the economics behind airport development and sustainability. Clint uses the example of McDonald’s, whose real estate strategy of building stores close to major intersections mirrors how airports can maximize their value through smart land use and diversification. Airports aren’t simply transit points; with strategic planning and partnerships—such as working with Fixed Base Operators (FBOs)—they can become engines for local and regional prosperity.
Community engagement is a recurring theme. Clint calls on small cities and rural communities to reclaim the potential of their local airports, transforming them from underutilized assets into vibrant hubs that facilitate education, healthcare access, professional development, and disaster resilience. Harper and Zart stress that multi-modal airports will not only support next-generation aircraft but also underpin holistic approaches to mobility and economic opportunity.
The podcast closes with a powerful message: airports must lead, not lag, in mobility innovation and resilience thinking. By combining historical lessons from military operations with the dynamic tools of urban planning, airports can shape a future where mobility isn’t just about flying from point A to B—it’s about connecting people, supporting communities, and fostering sustainable progress in the age of electric and advanced air mobility.
Watch or listen to the complete episode for further insights and practical examples:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V0qe3eZqublwn6dasXWCf
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