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A new study by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) says that an investment of US$87.4 billion is required to improve U.S. airport capacity so that it can cope with projected growth in traffic. “Airports must invest [US]$87.4 billion over the next four years on new airport infrastructure, such as new runways, terminals, and gates in order to keep pace with projected passenger and air cargo demand,” the organization said in releasing “Airport Capital Development Costs for 2007-2011” on May 15. “Anyone traveling by air today knows that aviation is already stretched to the breaking point,” said ACI-NA president Greg Principato. “This study tells us that by prudently raising and investing money in the short term, we have the opportunity to help future travelers avoid delayed flights and inconvenience.” The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that one billion passengers will be using the nation’s aviation system by 2015. If the improvements are not made, ACI-NA says, the aviation system will face increased delays and congestion, which in turn will impact its ability to meet safety and security requirements. 2007 is already shaping up to be the worst year for flight delays in the U.S. since 2000, which has held the record up to this point. In response, ACI-NA has launched its “Passengers First Commitment” campaign to enhance airline competition, improve safety and security and enhance airport capacity and reliability. The organization is also advocating that a US$4.50 cap on the passenger facility charged – a local user fee included in the cost of an airline ticket and directed toward capital improvements – be raised. |
