@irports update -- Dec. 2, 2009

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	Dec. 2, 2009



			This Week In Summary FAA Opens International Runway Safety Summit» Airports Call on Congressional Jobs Now!» Principato: LaHood Committee Can Work» Declining Enplanements Bump 2 Airports Off BTS Reporting List» Opinions Wanted for Centerlines» The Annual in Austin: What did you think?» Court Refuses to Add Airport Security Firm to 9/11 Case» Airports are Socially Savvy» Airports are on the 'Nice List' During the Holidays» ACI Offers Holiday Discounts on Training Programs» In The News US Airways Pilots Fault Delta Gate Swap» Quiet GOP Tactic Stalls TSA Appointment» Canadian MPs Hear Conflicts on Air-Safety Protocol» Airline Safety: The Next Generation of Smart Planes»


			Hot Topics
			FAA Opens International Runway Safety Summit The three-day FAA International Runway Safety Summit kicked off Tuesday in Washington and runs though Thursday. In an opening keynote address, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was challenged to speed up its implementation of runway safety enhancements. Deborah Hersman, the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), specifically cited the slow testing and deployment of airport surface safety systems — such as systems that can alert pilots automatically about impending runway incursions or incorrect runway selection. Hersman also cautioned attendees not to focus runway safety enhancement efforts only on runway incursions, citing that that runway excursions warrant equal or greater attention. Speaking for airports on a discussion panel, Jim Crites, executive vice president for operations at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, cited the importance of effective, recurring training to safe airfield operations. On-going vigilance to training is especially critical because of the “continuous turnover” of employees with airfield access, Crites said. He also emphasized the importance of open communication to runway safety. Airport should regularly schedule “Call to Action” meetings with all key stakeholder groups—including airport staff, airline station staff, third-party ramp service providers and fixed-base operators, pilot representatives, and the FAA — to discuss specific airfield safety concerns and how to address them. The Dec. 1 session concluded with an international panel that featured safety experts from the air traffic service providers in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Canada, and China, as well as from the International Air Transport Association. Panelists cited the importance of communication and collaboration in establishing runway safety processes, technologies, and procedures that transcend international boundaries. Several panelists expressed concern about uncoordinated and often duplicative state efforts to enhance runway safety, which waste limited safety resources. Contact ACI-NA’s Chris Oswald for more information» Airports Call on Congressional Jobs Now! ACI-NA President Greg Principato sent a letter to the newly formed bipartisan Congressional Jobs Now! Caucus urging lawmakers to include funding for airport infrastructure projects in the caucus's upcoming discussions. Principato said that the improvement of airport infrastructure not only helps increase safety for the traveling public, but it also is an investment in the future of our national transportation infrastructure system and helps creates jobs. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that by June all but $5 million of the $1.1 billion appropriated by the Airport Improvement Program funding included in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act had been authorized to 323 separate projects throughout the United States. These projects have created positive short- and long-term effects on communities by providing local jobs and opportunities for economic growth. In addition to job creation, Principato stressed that further investment in airport infrastructure would allow the industry to take a step forward in preparing for NextGen, which begins and ends at the airport. View Principato’s complete letter» Contact ACI-NA’s Jane Calderwood for more information» Principato: LaHood Committee Can Work In a recent blog posting for the National Journal, ACI-NA President Greg Principato noted that the Federal Advisory Committee announced by DOT Secretary LaHood can make a difference if they have a clear mission and broad aviation representation. Said Principato: “Why am I so confident? Because I served as Executive Director on the Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry (National Airline) Commission in 1993. While most of our recommendations were not implemented, they were certainly forward looking – including our emphasis on modernization of the air traffic control system.” Principato said that in order to chart a successful future way forward for the aviation industry, the following five issues must be addressed: The critical need for investment in airport infrastructure and air traffic modernization. The development of a sustainable funding system for aviation, given the fact that receipts for the Airport & Airways Trust Fund continue to decline and the ever increasing airline fees do not contribute to the Trust Fund. Consumer issues including ensuring airline competition, the continuation of service small community air service and more disclosure of consumer information to passengers before they purchase their tickets. The full range of aviation environmental issues including climate change, noise, water quality and biofuels. Ensuring international competitiveness through additional open skies agreements. Declining Enplanements Bump 2 Airports Off BTS Reporting List On Nov. 23, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) announced that effective Jan. 1, 29 airports will be required to report data, based on their enplanements for the 12 months that ended June 30, 2009. The regulations specify that airports in the 48 contiguous states that enplane at least 1 percent of domestic scheduled passengers, or 6.2 million travelers for this reporting period, provide monthly data, which is aggregated in the Department of Transportation monthly “Air Travel Consumer Reports.” In 2009, there were 31 airports required to report data, but traffic declines at Cincinnati and St. Louis Lambert International airports led to them being dropped from the reporting directive. There are 17 airlines which reached the reporting threshold of $720 million in domestic scheduled passenger revenues: AirTran; Alaska; American; American Eagle; Atlantic Southeast; Comair; Continental; Delta; Frontier, Hawaiian; JetBlue; Mesa; Northwest; SkyWest; Southwest, United and US Airways. ExpressJet and Pinnacle agreed to voluntarily file their flight performance data and mishandled baggage reports. View the BTS directive» Contact ACI-NA’s Debby McElroy for more information» Opinions Wanted for Centerlines Planning is now under way for the March edition of Centerlines. Associate members interested in writing the Associates Corner column should submit their essay topics by Dec. 4. A panel of the World Business Partner/Associates Board of Directors will review the submitted topics and then select the writer. The essay writer will have until Jan. 7 to submit a 600-word essay. Contact ACI-NA’s Tom Smith for more information» The Annual in Austin: What did you think? In an effort to improve the Annual ACI-NA Conference & Exhibition and to provide you with the best possible experience now and in the future, we would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete an online survey about your experiences in Austin. Please be sure to mark your calendar for the ACI-NA 19th Annual Conference & Exhibition, Sept. 26 – 29, 2010 in Pittsburgh. Access the survey» Contact ACI-NA’s Amy Peters for more information» Court Refuses to Add Airport Security Firm to 9/11 Case In a recent ruling, a federal judge in New York refused to add Globe Airport Security Services Inc. to a civil suit stemming from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Cantor Fitzgerald and several other plaintiffs sued the airlines and aviation companies alleged to have been negligent in screening passengers at the airports where the 9/11 attacks occurred. Globe, the company responsible for passenger screening at Boston Logan Airport at the time of the attack, had not been listed as a defendant in the ongoing case. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein reasoned it was too late to add Globe as a defendant. The opinion stresses further that the “parties should be focused on settlements in mediation and trials of unsettled cases, not on re-doing discovery between Globe and Cantor and addressing the implications of that discovery on every other issue and party in this case.” View Hellerstein’s opinion» Contact ACI-NA’s Monica Hargrove Kemp for more information» Airports are Socially Savvy Posted Dec. 1 on the Centerlines Blog by Victoria Houghton According to a recent ACI-NA survey on social media efforts at airports, 64 percent of the airport respondents have a Facebook page. About 60 percent of respondents are using Twitter to ‘tweet’ their airport news and events, and about 42 percent are utilizing YouTube to post video clips of various airport events and services. When asked why, 95 percent indicated that the No. 1 reason to implement social media tools is to help the airport communicate with their communities better. The second and third reasons were to enhance customer service and gain media exposure. The majority of responding airports (51 percent) have found these tools to be helpful in achieving these goals. As these tools continue to permeate the marketing and communications scene, stay tuned for more information from ACI-NA on the latest social media trends at airports throughout North America. In the meantime, check out ACI-NA’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and peruse Centerlines Blog and Greg’s Blog. Airports are on the 'Nice List' During the Holidays Posted Dec. 1 on the Centerlines Blog by Brett McAllister At this time each year, airports are going the extra customer-service mile by reaching out and connecting with their communities. As a result of the airports’ efforts, passengers can enjoy a little extra holiday cheer, and give a little back in return. Whether it is local choirs making appearances at airports across North America to sing holiday favorites or seeing the big jolly fellow in the red suit, airports go that extra mile to offer time to reflect on the season. In Jacksonville, local school groups will show off their musical talents for all airport passengers to enjoy. Also, a Christmas tree contest invites travelers to vote on their favorite tree with a $1 donation that will benefit Dreams Come True. And in Washington, D.C., the National Christmas Tree will pale in comparison to the trees at MWAA’s Reagan National and Dulles. Students from the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland will make their own ornaments creating a “Winter Wonderland” that even the most harried of passengers will stop and appreciate. For pictures of holiday events and specials at airports throughout North America, check out ACI-NA’s Facebook page. (Send photos from your airport to vhoughton@aci-na.org) Airports are not just depots for travelers to just sit and wait, they offer passengers an opportunity to optimize their time by shopping for those holiday gifts while waiting for their next flight. Airports are the faces of their communities and sources of philanthropy and optimism. Check back with Centerlines Blog for more examples of how airports are on the ‘nice list.’ ACI Offers Holiday Discounts on Training Programs ACI Online Learning Centre is running a year-end holiday sale on its training programs that are open to both airports and individual airport employees. Those enrolling in a course by Dec. 31 will receive a 25 percent discount on the fee. The course modules can be accessed any number of times over a 12-month period from the enrolment date. The ACI Online Learning Centre offers over 50 self-paced online training modules in areas including: Safety Management Systems Security Screening Concession Management Project Management Leadership and Management Human Resources Personal Development Contact the OLC Manager Eddie Ragauskas for more information» ^ Back to top



			Industry News Briefs
			US Airways Pilots Fault Delta Gate Swap Bloomberg News, Dec. 1, By Mary Schlangenstein US Airways Group Inc. pilots asked federal regulators to investigate the carrier's proposed swap of flight slots with Delta Air Lines Inc. at two airports, saying the plan may result in higher fares and job losses. View complete article» Quiet GOP Tactic Stalls TSA Appointment Washington Times, Nov. 29, By S.A. Miller Sen. Jim DeMint has locked a "hold" on President Obama's pick to head the Transportation Security Administration over concerns the nominee would undermine safety by allowing airport security screeners to unionize, the latest in a series of appointments stymied by Republican objections that are increasingly frustrating the Senate's Democratic majority. View complete article» Canadian MPs Hear Conflicts on Air-Safety Protocol Canwest News Service, Nov. 30, By Sarah Schmidt The head of aviation safety at Transport Canada insisted Monday air travel in Canada is safe even as the department moves to delay the implementation of the safety-inspection system at smaller carriers after being inundated with concerns from its own staff about problems with the safety regime already in place at large airlines. View complete article» Airline Safety: The Next Generation of Smart Planes Christian Science Monitor, Nov. 23, By Peter N. Spotts Help is on the way. Federal transportation officials are working with researchers and air carriers across the country to find new high-tech ways of handling air traffic, from takeoff to landing, that are expected to reduce delays, save fuel (thereby cutting greenhouse-gas emissions), and improve safety. View complete article» ^ Back to top



			Events On Approach
			International Aviation Issues Seminar: On Thursday Join ACI-NA at the annual International Aviation Issues Seminar Dec. 3-4 at The Fairfax Embassy Row in Washington, DC. This annual seminar brings together top airport and airline management, government officials and consultants, to explore the latest developments in international air travel and trade, government air transport policies and negotiations and facilitation policies/procedures which impact airports' ability to retain and secure new international air service If you have not registered yet, you will still be able to do so on-site. Registration will open at 7:45 a.m. and will be located in the Ballroom Foyer. More details: Housing, agenda, and more» ACI-NA/ACC/FAA Airport Planning Redefined Course and ACI-NA/ACC/FAA NEPA Practitioners Workshop: Register Onsite ACI-NA, ACC, and the FAA will host this first Airport Planning Redefined Course at The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City from Dec. 7-9. The course will go beyond the Master Plan advisory circular to provide insights that will enable professionals involved in planning airport improvements to be more effective and better prepared in today’s environment. On the final day of the Planning Course there will be a half day joint session with attendees of the annual NEPA Practitioners Workshop scheduled for Dec. 9-10. This workshop will use detailed presentations along with interactive and collegial activities to educate you on key tenants of the NEPA process. Expect interactive discussion and workshop projects. More details: Airport Planning Course: Housing, agenda, and more» Advanced registration is no longer available; you may register onsite. Registration will be located in the Washington Park Foyer, hours are listed below: Monday, Dec. 7 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 8 a.m. – 6 p.m More details: NEPA Workshop: Housing, agenda, and more» Advanced registration is no longer available; please register onsite. Registration will be located in the Washington Park Foyer, hours are listed below: Wednesday, Dec. 9 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 7:30 a.m. – Noon 2010 Air Service & Data Planning Seminar: Agenda Updated Join ACI-NA Jan. 24-26 at The Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas for the Air Service & Data Planning Seminar. Former airline planners, experienced airport air service recruiters and consultants will help airports prepare for JumpStart 2010. This two-day seminar will feature advance data classes, airport case studies, peer airport discussion groups, and roundtable discussions. All of the seminar sessions will be held at The Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas. The cut-off date to receive the special group rate of $139 is Jan 1. In order to make your room reservation, please call the hotel directly at (702) 836-5900. More details: Housing, sponsorships, and more» 2010 Media Relations & Crisis Communications Seminar: Registration Open The Media Relations & Crisis Communications Seminar, also at The Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas, will be on Jan. 27-29. This seminar brings together media relations and communications professionals to discuss the latest media trends and tools for effective crisis communication. Participants will learn about exciting innovations in technology, and gain valuable on-camera media training. Additionally, seminar attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers and share valuable tips on best practices for media relations. All of the seminar sessions will be held at The Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas. The cut-off date to receive the special group rate of $139 is Jan 1. In order to make your room reservation, please call the hotel directly at (702) 836-5900. More details: Housing, sponsorships, and more» See upcoming ACI-NA Events» ^ Back to top



			Committee Update
			Marketing and Air Service Working Group The Marketing and Air Service Working Group of the ACI-NA Marketing and Communications Committee will be organizing two events in 2010. In January, the group will sponsor its third Air Service and Data Planning Seminar. And in June, the group will sponsor an expanded JumpStart Air Service Development Program in conjunction with the annual Marketing and Communications Conference. In response to a member survey, the working group revamped the format for the Air Service and Data Planning Seminar, which will be in Las Vegas on Jan. 24-26. The seminar will again be anchored with sessions exploring six different data sets airlines may use in their route planning; however, in 2010 four of these lessons will feature concurrent sessions designed for those with a need for fundamental information and those seeking advance tips. Also in response to the survey, the seminar will feature roundtable discussions on such topics as preparing blockbuster presentations; forming community partnerships and how to deal with airlines that may second-guess your information. The closing afternoon will be devoted to discussion groups, organized by peer size, of the best practices in air service recruiting. The primary purpose for the January Air Service and Data Planning Seminar is to arm airports with the tools to more effectively pitch their communities during the June JumpStart meetings in San Diego. ACI-NA has expanded JumpStart to a second day so that each airline can schedule up to 27 meetings per booth. The meetings will begin at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, and run all day on Wednesday, June 9. The working group has begun the airline recruitment process with the first round of invitations going out this month. The 2010 JumpStart will be the second year ACI-NA will use an on-line registration and matching system. To help airports maximize their use of the system, ACI-NA will provide Webinar tutorials and a series of scheduling tip sheets. Contact ACI-NA’s Tom Smith for more information» Learn more about ACI-NA Committees and Programs» ^ Back to top



			aci-na.org
			Our Blogs The DOT apparently agrees with ACI-NA President Greg Principato when he cries, “Enough Already!” Read Greg’s take on the fining of the airlines involved in the Rochester tarmac stranding. View this Airport Check-in posting» Long-time aviation industry leader Ed Stimpson passed away last week. Greg reflects on Stimpson’s contribution to the industry. View this Airport Check-in posting» New Research Posted Federal Aviation Administration: Their Workplace Remains a Challenge. The General Accountability Office (GAO) found that FAA’s human capital system incorporates many practices used in leading organizations, but the agency’s placement near the bottom in best places to work rankings could pose challenges to employee recruitment, motivation, and retention. The agency ranks 214 out of 216 rated agencies. Posted: 12/1/09. ^ Back to top



			Info Desk
			Canadian Air Traffic Down Aircraft take-offs and landings at the 93 Canadian airports with NAV CANADA air traffic control towers and flight service stations declined by 14.4 percent in October compared with October 2008. These 93 airports reported 474,604 movements in October compared with 554,419 movements at 95 airports in October 2008. View the complete release and data tables» ^ Back to top



	In This Issue • Hot Topics» • Industry News Briefs» • Events On Approach» • Committee Update» • aci-na.org» • Info Desk»


	ACI-NA International Aviation Issues Dec. 3-4 Washington Airport Planning Redefined Dec. 7-9 Kansas City NEPA Practioniers Workshop Dec. 9-11 Kansas City



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	About ACI-NA Airports Council International-North America is the "Voice of Airports" representing local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. ACI-NA Associate members represent a wide variety of businesses that provide products and services to the aviation and airport industry.



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	ACI-NA 2009-10 Board of Directors Executive Committee G. Hardy Acree Chairman Director of Airports Sacramento County Airport System Sacramento, Calif. Frank R. Miller First Vice Chair Aviation Director San Antonio Aviation Department San Antonio, Texas Thella Bowens Second Vice Chair President/CEO San Diego County Regional Airport Authority San Diego, Calif. Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer CEO & Executive Director Massachusetts Port Authority Boston, Mass. John D. Clark, III Immediate Past Chairman CEO Indianapolis Airport Authority Indianapolis, Ind. Barry Rempel Ex-Officio President & CEO Winnipeg Airports Authority Winnipeg, Manitoba Directors Iftikar Ahmad Director of Aviation Dayton Department of Aviation Dayton, Ohio David. N. Edwards, Jr. Executive Director Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Greer, S.C. Robert A. Hazel Partner Oliver Wyman Reston, Va. David Jennings Commissioner Charleston County Aviation Authority Charleston, S.C. Bradley S. Livingston Airport Director Dane County Regional Airport Madison, Wis. Richard McConnell Airport Director Boise Airport Boise, Idaho Reginald K. Milley President and CEO Edmonton Regional Airports Authority Edmonton, Alberta Brad Penrod Executive Director/CEO Allegheny County Airport Authority Pittsburgh, Pa.. Raul Regalado President & CEO Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Nashville, Tenn. Mark Reis Managing Director Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Seattle, Wash. William Restall President & CEO Saskatoon Airport Authority Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Maureen Riley Executive Director Salt Lake City Department of Airports Salt Lake City, Utah Brian Searles Director of Aviation Burlington International Airport Burlington, Vt. Elsie Rast-Stuart Commissioner Columbia Metropolitan Airport Columbia, S.C.. William Vanecek Director of Aviation Buffalo Niagara International Airport Buffalo, N.Y. Mark VanLoh Director of Aviation Kansas City Aviation Department Kansas City, Mo. ACI-NA President Greg Principato 2009 World Business Partners/ Associates Board of Directors Executive Committee Robert A. Hazel Chair Partner Oliver Wyman Reston, Va. Laddie E. Irion Vice Chair Vice President/Director, Air Transportation URS Tampa, Fla. Immediate Past Chair Vacant Randall H. Walker ACI-NA Board Liaison Director of Aviation Clark County Department of Aviation Las Vegas, Nev. Directors Donald G. Andrews Vice President – Aviation Reynolds, Smith and Hills Houston, Texas Steven T. Baldwin Senior Vice President The Louis Berger Group Albany, N.Y. Leslie K. Cappetta President and CEO SSP America Lansdowne, Va. Armen DerHohannesian General Manager Armen DerHohannesian & Associates Hampton, N.H. Bruce Feuer Vice President, Business Development The Paradies Shops Atlanta, Ga. Kurt Krummenacker Assistant Vice President/Analyst Moody's Investors Service New York, N.Y. Deborah T. Meehan Chief Operating Officer SH&E Cambridge, Mass. David Naleway National Sales Manager, Aviation Jacobs Cypress, Calif. Mark A. Perryman President Landrum & Brown, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio Randy D. Pope Associate Vice President, Aviation & Facilities Group Burns & McDonnell Kansas City, Mo.



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