@irports update -- Sept. 9, 2009

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	Sept. 9, 2009



			This Week In Summary ACI-NA Submits Comments on FAA's FOD Advisory Circular» FAA: Expect More Inspections on Stimulus Projects» FAA, DOT Begin Preparations to Extend Concession DBE Program» ACI-NA, AAAE Sponsor Webinar to Review Deicing Regs» FAA Announces 6 Slots Available for the Military Airport Program in 2010» Annual Update:» ACI Training Opportunities:» In The News Fliers on Delayed Planes Get More Support» D/FW Says Developing Surrounding Land Could Generate Millions» Struggle Between Airport, Taxi Firms Nowhere Near End» IATA: Signs Of Hope in Cargo But 2010 Recovery Could Be Weak»


			Hot Topics
			ACI-NA Submits Comments on FAA's FOD Advisory Circular ACI-NA on Sept. 4 filed comments with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noting that its draft Advisory Circular 150/5220-xx, Airport Foreign Object Debris/Damage (FOD) Detection Equipment are too specific to the degree the language could impede the introduction of future FOD detection systems and technologies. Furthermore, ACI-NA expressed concerns that data retention requirements could be too onerous for airports to implement. This draft circular, which was reported in the Aug. 12 edition of @irports Update, is intended to provide information that airports can use to procure and operate FOD detection equipment. The circular contains performance specifications for systems and equipment and lays the foundation to use Airport Improvement Program funds for FOD detection systems. View the draft circular» View ACI-NA's comments» Contact ACI-NA's Chris Oswald for more information» FAA: Expect More Inspections on Stimulus Projects The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Aug. 31 issued policy guidance, Oversight/Inspection of Construction Projects Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to airports and others receiving stimulus grants. Noting that the program "is generating an unprecedented level of interest" and in order to ensure transparency in the use of grant funding, the FAA asked that each airport "must be fastidious in its grant documentation and overall record keeping." Also, the FAA will conduct additional inspections to ensure progress and mitigate risks of the projects. Guidance to FAA field offices includes: Initial site visit - depending on the size of the project or the impact on air operations areas, FAA will attend the preconstruction meeting. At this time the project safety phasing plan will be reviewed with the airport and contractor. Mid project site visit – FAA will inspect the project to determine if safety phasing plan is being followed, if progress is consistent with the grant expenditures to date and if a "project sign" has been erected. Site visits will be documented with photographs. Final project inspection – FAA, along with the airport, consulting engineer and contractor will determine if all work contained in the grant project description has been completed. Equipment Acquisition inspection – FAA will inspect new equipment on a "time and resource available basis." View the FAA guidance» Contact ACI-NA's Debby McElroy for more information» FAA, DOT Begin Preparations to Extend Concession DBE Program The future of the federal government's regulations airport concessions and disadvantage business owners is up in the air. The current regulations, Part 23, expire on April 21, 2010. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) officials last week held a stakeholder's meeting to discuss their plans to issue a proposed rule that would continue the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Besides just extending the program beyond 2010, the FAA and DOT will be open to changes in Part 23 to improve the program. Airports are encouraged to examine their programs and offer suggestions to improve the program. A draft proposal is not expected for several months. Contact ACI-NA's James Briggs for more information» ACI-NA, AAAE Sponsor Webinar to Review Deicing Regs Last week, ACI-NA and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) jointly sponsored a two-day deicing webinar focused on the Environmental Protection Agency's draft Effluent Limitation Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the Airport Deicing Category. The webinar provided an opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations and discuss potential issues for comment. ACI-NA is preparing for the comment process and will be working closely with members to develop extensive comments over the next few months. Comments on the proposal are due Dec. 28. Webinar speakers included the EPA's Eric Strassler; Ed Melisky, Federal Aviation Administration; and industry experts Jeff Longsworth, Barnes & Thornburg; John Lengel, Gresham Smith and Partners; and Dean Mericas, CH2M Hill. ACI-NA's Senior Director of Environmental Affairs, Jessica Steinhilber, also participated in a roundtable discussion on the proposal. Contact ACI-NA's Jessica Steinhilber for more information» FAA Announces 6 Slots Available for the Military Airport Program in 2010 In anticipation of Congress enacting a reauthorization of the Airport Improvement Program, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published on Sept. 4 in the Federal Register a solicitation for airports to participate in the Military Airport Program for the next fiscal year. The program provides capital development assistance to civil airport designated as current joint-use (both military and civil aircraft operations) airfields or former military airports that are included in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. While a maximum of 15 airports may participate in the program, there are six commercial-service slots available for designation or redesignation in 2010. There is no general aviation slot available this year. In addition to eligible AIP projects, the program can fund terminal building facilities, fuel farms, utility systems, surface automobile parking lots, hangars and air cargo terminals. The FAA can not issue the grants until Congress enacts enabling legislation. View the Federal Register notice» Contact ACI-NA's James Briggs for more information» Annual Update: Annual Conference's Housing Deadline is Fast Approaching! Hotel rooms are filling up fast for the 2009 ACI-NA 18th Annual Conference and Exhibition: Committing to the Future: Transforming Ideas into Actions. The deadline to secure a reservation at a discounted rate is 5 p.m. Sept. 4. The discount is subject to availability. Rooms may now be available at all of the hotels due to recent cancellations. Room availability is on a first come, first serve basis so visit ACI-NA's Housing Bureau and book your hotel today to take advantage of our specials rates The Conference and Exhibition will be held on Oct. 11-14 at the Austin Convention Center. On Oct. 10 and 11, ACI-NA will also offer participants the opportunity to attend five pre-conference seminars on various topics of interest at the Hilton Austin. Education Update: Climate Change: Is It Getting Warm In Here? Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1:45 – 3 p.m. Climate change is the hottest environmental issue in the minds of legislators, regulators, policymakers, and the general public. Attend this session to hear the latest information about domestic and international frameworks under development to address climate change. Panelists will discuss how these frameworks may impact airports and the entire aviation industry. Speakers include Carl Burleson, Federal Aviation Administration. The panel will be moderated by Mark Reis, Aviation Director, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Sustainability: We're Drinking the Kool-Aid ™ Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. Sustainability is not just a buzzword anymore – it's a way of doing business. This session's speakers will discuss the benefits of incorporating the fundamentals of sustainability into everyday business practices. Hear the perspectives of different organizations that have committed to being a sustainable leader in the aviation industry by balancing their economic, environmental, and social priorities. Speakers include Eric Dillinger, vice president, Jacobs Carter Burgess; John Huey, director of sustainability and environmental affairs, Delaware North Companies; and Elaine Karnes, senior environmental manager, Southwest Airlines. The session will be moderated by Barry Rempel, CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority. Contact ACI-NA's Jessica Steinhilber for more information» ACI Training Opportunities: Concession Course Now Available Online The Online Learning Centre of ACI's Global Training Hub is now offering a Certificate in Concession Management course designed for staff engaged in managing concessions such as retail, food/beverage, duty free, services, parking and ground transportation and rental cars. Several ACI-NA members, including Atlanta and San Diego, have already used the course. Enrol online» Contact the OLC Manager Eddie Ragauskas for more information» Training Website Re-launched ACI has re-launched its training and staff development website. The Global Training Hub website has been re-written and streamlined for easier navigation. The new link: www.aci.aero/training The Global Training Hub remains a direct link from the ACI-NA home page. View the course catalog for all ACI classes» Next AMPAP's Management Training to be in Houston The next Air Transport System course -- the mandatory first-step in the ACI/ICAO Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP -- will be offered in Houston the week of Dec. 7-11. This class must be completed before students can progress to the rest of the six-course curriculum. Visit the AMPAP website to register on-line» Contact ACI's Paul Behnke for registration or more information» ^ Back to top



			Industry News Briefs
			Fliers on Delayed Planes Get More Support USA Today, Sept. 7, By Gary Stoller Airlines are losing another ally in their fight to stop Congress from passing a law that would allow passengers to get off planes delayed at least three hours on airport tarmacs. View the complete article» D/FW Says Developing Surrounding Land Could Generate Millions The Dallas Morning News, Sept. 6, By Eric Torbenson The 35-year-old airport plans to focus more of its efforts on developing 6,600 acres on the airport's edges, potentially generating nearly $300 million in fees, rents and sales tax to be split among the airport and surrounding cities. View the complete article» Struggle Between Airport, Taxi Firms Nowhere Near End Edmonton Journal, Sept. 4, By Gordon Kent Chances are "bleak" for early elimination of taxis running empty in one direction between the city and the Edmonton International Airport, says a city report released on Thursday. View the complete article» IATA: Signs Of Hope in Cargo But 2010 Recovery Could Be Weak Aviation Daily, Sept. 4, By Madhu Unnikrishnan (paid subscription required) There may be signs of hope in the air cargo industry as fiscal stimulus programs begin to boost economies the world over, IATA said in its latest quarterly cargo report. View the complete article» ^ Back to top



			Events On Approach
			Airport Concessions Conference: Speed Dating Join ACI-NA's Commercial Management Committee at the annual Airport Concessions Conference Nov. 9-12 at the Westin in Indianapolis. This all-in-one conference offers extensive networking opportunities coupled with educational sessions on the latest in merchandising trends, retail design and revenue strategies. Join your peers in discussing industry perspectives and learning about exciting innovations in airport terminal concepts. Back by popular demand, this year's speed dating session is going high tech by allowing "dates" to be set up online in advance of the conference. Speed Dating will be held on Nov. 11 and will allow participants to meet and exchange contacts to build future business relationships. The session fosters networking between airports, concession operators, and small business owners. There are two 'dating' tracks in this session, one for airports to meet with potential tenants and/or service providers and another for prime operators/developers to meet with potential subtenants. View the most up to date agenda Register for Speed Dating Register online for the conference and save $35 More details: Housing, agenda, sponsorships, and more» International Aviation Issues Seminar: Register & Save 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 The ACI-NA Holiday Reception will be Dec. 3 at the Fairfax. All of the seminar sessions will be held at The Fairfax at Embassy Row. The cut-off date to receive the special group rate of $234 is Nov. 13. In order to make your room reservation, please call the hotel directly at (202) 293-2100. Register online and save $35 More details: Housing, sponsorships, and more» ACI-NA/ACC/FAA Airport Planning Redefined Course Join ACI-NA, ACC, and the FAA for the first Airport Planning Redefined Course on Dec. 7-9 at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. Airport planning is a unique enterprise that requires a broad set of specialized skills and knowledge. These skills extend across the fields of planning, engineering, environmental science, financial planning, economics, community outreach, airport operations, and technology. Staying on the cutting edge of all of these areas is difficult for even the most experienced and dedicated airport planners. This event will provide aviation professionals with information regarding best practices, processes, and guidance regarding airport planning that they can use to make their planning efforts more successful. It will also provide insight into near and long-term trends that are changing the way in which airport planning will be done in the future. The workshop will end in a joint session with NEPA professionals on the morning of Dec. 9. The joint session will focus on strategies to better integrate the planning/project definition and NEPA process to ensure success. If you are interested in attending both events, a discounted registration rate is available. View the information brochure for this seminar Register for the Airport Planning Redefined More details: Housing, agenda, sponsorships, and more» ACI-NA/ACC/FAA NEPA Practitioners Workshop Joint ACI-NA, ACC, and the FAA for the annual NEPA Practitioners Workshop scheduled for Dec. 9-10 at The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. 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. Moderators and printed materials will provide detailed information as a foundation for discussion. The workshop will begin with a joint session with airport planning professionals on the morning of Dec. 9. The joint session will focus on strategies to better integrate the planning/project definition and NEPA process to ensure success. If you are interested in attending both events, a discounted registration rate is available. View the informational brochure for this workshop Register for the NEPA Workshop More details: Housing, agenda, 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 ACI-NA's Marketing and Communications Committee plans the JumpStart Air Service Development Program each year as part of the committee's annual conference. Next year JumpStart will be in San Diego on June 9. For the third time, the working group is also planning the Air Service Data and Planning Seminar. The 2010 meeting will be in Las Vegas on Jan. 24-26. Commonly known as the "data seminar" it began in 2006 to better prepare airports for the speed-dating sessions of JumpStart. The sessions have traditionally stressed how to tap a variety of data bases to make the best pitch for a new route to an airline. Planning is now underway for the 2010 seminar. As a result of a survey of air service recruiters at member airports, the working group has re-cast the seminar's agenda to include a greater opportunity for participation and networking with the addition of roundtable discussion on air service development strategies and small group discussions organized by airport size. The major emphasis of the seminar will continue to be overviews of six different data sets. Based on the feedback in the survey, the seminar curriculum will break three of the six data presentations into two concurrent classes – one for an overview of the fundamentals and a second for those who may have some experience working with the data. In the next six weeks, the working group will be lining up speakers for each of the sessions. The working group's JumpStart planning will begin in earnest in November. ACI-NA plans to again use the computerized matching system that was first used for JumpStart 2009. Contact ACI-NA's Tom Smith for more information» Learn more about ACI-NA Committees and Programs» ^ Back to top



			Member Spotlight
			Palm Springs International Airport Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the commercial service gateway to the world class destination of Palm Springs and nine desert resort cities in California's Coachella Valley. Owned and operated by the city of Palm Springs, the airport is the major gateway for this tourist destination and subsequently the passenger activity does vary seasonally. During peak season the population blossoms to about 600,000 with travelers from over 500 cities around the world. Ten airlines serve the market, fluctuating schedules to address seasonal variations. Service during peak season includes 17 nonstop markets including 10 major airline hubs. Palm Springs International has a partial open-air terminal sporting 16 gates in two separate concourses. The airport's 950 acres, includes Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation FBO's, and over 60 tenants including a SkyWest Airlines aircraft maintenance base. One of the unique features of the airfield is that there is no grass but rather stone, which is optimal for wildlife management, reduced operation and maintenance costs, and guaranteeing vehicles can access safety areas without leaving ruts. The last two years have culminated the busiest project years in the history of the airport. The projects included a new eight-gate, regional concourse, terminal and outside sterile areas renovation, secondary runway and taxiway pavement rehabilitation, rental car parking lot expansion, new airport advertising concession program, expansion of the food and gift concessions, design of new FAA ATC facility, and new master plan update. Visit the airport's website» ^ Back to top



			aci-na.org
			Blog: Business Travel Defended ACI-NA President Greg Principato in a recent blog posting cited a recent Harvard Business Review article in his defense of the need to continue face-to-face meetings even in recessionary times. In another posting, Greg is recording thoughts on his travels as his begins two weeks of business meetings on the road. On Tuesday, Greg toured Saskatoon and addressed the airport's annual meeting. Presentations Posted The presentations from the 2009 ACI-NA Fall Public Safety and Security Conference held last month are now posted on the website. New Research Posted Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Common Aviation Textiles: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Aerospace Medicine, has released a report that documents a material's compatibility evaluation of the effects of hydrogen peroxide exposure on the mechanical properties and flammability of commercial-grade textile materials commonly used in aviation. According to the report, hydrogen peroxide has been used for years as a disinfectant in the medical community and is under consideration in the dilute vapor form as a decontaminant/disinfectant/sterilant for transportation vehicles such as aircraft, buses, subway trains and ambulances. The preliminary flammability testing of aviation-grade wool blends indicated that 10 cycles of hydrogen peroxide vapor exposures would cause unacceptable increases in flame times. ^ Back to top



			Info Desk
			Airline On-Time Performance Improved in July The nation's largest airlines had a rate of on-time flights this past July that was higher than both the same month last year and the mark posted in June 2009, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released Sept. 8 by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the 19 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 77.6 percent in July, better than both the 75.7 percent on-time rate of July 2008 and June 2009's 76.1 percent. View the complete press release and data tables» ^ Back to top



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


	ACI-NA Annual Conference & Exhibition Oct. 11-14 Austin ACI-NA Concessions Conference Nov. 9-12 Indianapolis Airport Planning Redefined Dec. 7-9 Kansas City NEPA Practioniers Workshop Dec. 9-11 Kansas City ACI-NA International Aviation Issues Dec. 3-4 Washington



	@irports update is sent each week to ACI-NA members and partners. If you wish to add a name(s) from your organization to the ACI-NA database, please e-mail ACI-NA's Joe Weidlich.



	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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	Jobs & RFPs Don't forget the ACI-NA Web site when you are trying to fill a staff position. As a member benefit, airports and associate members can post free job announcements. In addition, member airports can post their RFPs and other contract solicitations on the ACI-NA Web site. Contact ACI-NA's webmaster for more information»



	ACI-NA 2009 Board of Directors Executive Committee John D. Clark, III Chairman CEO Indianapolis Airport Authority Indianapolis, Ind. G. Hardy Acree First Vice Chair Director of Airports Sacramento County Airport System Sacramento, Calif. Frank R. Miller Second Vice Chair Aviation Director San Antonio Aviation Department San Antonio, Texas Thella Bowens Secretary-Treasurer President/CEO San Diego County Regional Airport Authority San Diego, Calif. Randall "Randy" H. Walker Immediate Past Chair Director of Aviation Clark County Department of Aviation Las Vegas, Nev. Barry Rempel Ex-Officio President & CEO Winnipeg Airports Authority Winnipeg, Manitoba Directors Iftikar Ahmad Director of Aviation Dayton Department of Aviation Dayton, Ohio Bruce Carter Director of Aviation Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County Moline, Ill. David. N. Edwards, Jr. Executive Director Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Greer, S.C. Jim M. Ethridge Commissioner Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Memphis, Tenn. Robert A. Hazel Partner Oliver Wyman Reston, Va. David Jennings Commissioner Charleston County Aviation Authority Charleston, S.C. Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. CEO & Executive Director Massachusetts Port Authority Boston, Mass. Bradley S. Livingston Airport Director Dane County Regional Airport Madison, Wis. William F. Marrison President Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Knoxville, Tenn. Charles "Skip" T. Miller Executive Director Louisville Regional Airport Authority Louisville, Ky. Reginald K. Milley President and CEO Edmonton Regional Airports Authority Edmonton, Alberta Raul Regalado President & CEO Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Nashville, Tenn. Mark Reis Managing Director Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Seattle, Wash. Willam Restall President & CEO Saskatoon Airport Authority Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Maureen Riley Executive Director Salt Lake City Department of Airports Salt Lake City, Utah Lester W. Robinson CEO Wayne County Airport Authority Detroit, Mich. 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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