@irports update -- Jan. 27, 2010

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	Jan. 27, 2010



			This Week In Summary Airlines Wants New Disclosure Rule Delayed» Advanced Imaging Technology Survey» Repair Station Security NPRM» Action in LAX Suit Delayed for Parties to Reach a Settlement» DOT Institutes Proceeding to Allocate Haneda Rights» Focus of Climate Change Debate Shifting on the Hill» When Will We Have a TSA Administrator? Part II» Tell Us How We Are Doing» Implement your own Online Testing Centre» In The News Hartsfield-Jackson Manager Leaving Post» Passenger Train Goes Into Operation Tuesday at Dulles Airport» FAA Cites Progress in Drive to Improve Commuter Airline Safety » FAA: Controller Error Causes Planes To Get Too Close Near LA Airport, No Danger To Planes»


			Hot Topics
			Airlines Wants New Disclosure Rule Delayed Three airline trade associations -- Air Transport Association, Regional Airline Association and Air Carrier Association of America -- want the Transportation Department to delay by 90 days the upcoming April 29 implementation of new regulations which would further disclose poor on-time performance. The groups filed the request last week. On Dec. 30, the DOT published new rules requiring airlines to publish the on-time performance for each flight on their websites. The rules also require an airline to post the information on flights flown by their code-share regional partners. The information would also have to be disclosed upon request by reservation agents. The airlines initially impacted include AirTran, Alaska, American, American Eagle, Atlantic Southeast, Continental, Delta, ExpressJet, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Mesa, Northwest, SkyWest, Southwest, United, and US Airways. In requesting the delay the airlines stated “Each carrier will have to develop a method to capture the percentage of arrivals more than 30 minutes late and to identify any flights that are 30 minutes late more than 50 percent of the time. In addition to designing how the information will be captured, each carrier will have to program their internal systems to make these changes and test the new procedures to ensure data integrity. Carrier will also have to modify their websites to display this new information. Finally, in addition to all of the internal carrier changes, each carrier will also to complete the same processes for each domestic code-share partner whose flights are displayed on its website. This inter-carrier coordination to display historic flight information for domestic code-share partner(s) is unprecedented and will take a significant amount of time.” DOT is expected to act on the request in the next few weeks. Contact ACI-NA’s Debby McElroy for more information» Advanced Imaging Technology Survey As a result of the attempted terrorist attack on NWA Flight 253 on Christmas Day and in anticipation that the expedited installation of advanced passenger screening technology would be identified as one of the near-term security enhancements, ACI-NA participated in numerous interviews to support TSA’s further evaluation, testing and deployment of Advanced Imaging Technology. Subsequent to the recommendation by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano that the deployment of the new technology should be accelerated, ACI-NA distributed a survey to its members to assess the concerns expressed by passengers at locations where the technology is already in use and determine whether there is space available for the units and the resolution rooms. ACI-NA will continue to work with TSA to ensure that agency representatives coordinate closely with airports to determine the appropriate location where the technology should be installed. Contact ACI-NA’s Christopher Bidwell for more information» Repair Station Security NPRM ACI-NA filed comments in response to the TSA notice of proposed rulemaking establishing regulations and mandating security programs for foreign and domestic Aircraft Repair Stations. In our comments, we expressed concern about the possibility that TSA inspectors may require airports to enhance their access control systems based on a determination that a repair station has a more detailed system. With the anticipated issuance of the final rule later this year, ACI-NA will ensure that TSA works with airports and repair stations so that measures impacting airports are minimized and fully coordinated. Contact ACI-NA’s Christopher Bidwell for more information» Action in LAX Suit Delayed for Parties to Reach a Settlement The Transportation Department has delayed all proceedings in the rent dispute at Los Angeles Airports until Oct 10 in an effort for the airlines and the airport to reach an agreement. While the airport won the bulk of the case last fall, the court told the department to reconsider some elements in the case. If the parties don’t reach an agreement by October, will consider procedural suggestions to the resolve the case. Contact ACI-NA’s Monica Hargrove Kemp for more information» DOT Institutes Proceeding to Allocate Haneda Rights On Jan. 26, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued its order instituting the 2010 U.S.-Haneda Combination Services Allocation Proceeding and inviting U.S. carriers to apply for new rights at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. The rights will became available when the United States and Japan sign the Memorandum of Understanding they initialed on Dec. 11, which they hope to do by October 2010 when the fourth runway at Haneda becomes operational. The signing of the MOU is tied to DOT decisions regarding on antitrust application(s) by U.S/Japanese carriers. DOT states that it is conducting this proceeding on an accelerated schedule so that the U.S. carriers selected will be able to obtain Haneda slots for the IATA 2010/2011 winter season. Contact ACI-NA’s Diane Peterson for more information Focus of Climate Change Debate Shifting on the Hill Posted by Annie Russo on Centerlines Blog on Jan. 25 As the Environmental Protection Agency begins implementing its rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions, the United States Senate is taking notice. Last year, the EPA deemed global warming as a risk to public health and welfare and used it to justify regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. It has been estimated by ACI-NA Environmental staff that approximately 10-20 airports will be required to now monitor greenhouse gas emissions under the EPA rule. Read the complete blog» Contact ACI-NA’s Annie Russo for more information When Will We Have a TSA Administrator? Part II Posted by Channon Hanna on Centerlines Blog Jan. 22 This week, the aviation community received shocking news when Erroll Southers withdrew his name from consideration to be the next Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration. Over the past several weeks, Southers’ nomination had become quite controversial particularly among a few senators who had concerns over the possibility that collective bargaining rights could be given to the Transportation Security Officers who work at screening checkpoints at our nation’s airports. Others expressed concerns surrounding his censure from the FBI over 20 years ago for accessing a criminal database for information on his estranged wife’s boyfriend. Read the complete blog» Contact ACI-NA’s Channon Hanna for more information Tell Us How We Are Doing ACI-NA and our publisher of Centerlines, Naylor, are currently seeking your views in how well we are doing with Centerlines and the digital Centerlines. Please take a moment and fill out the survey. 2010 Centerlines Readership Survey» Implement your own Online Testing Centre Deliver your own web based training, testing and certification program from as little as $500 per month. The ACI Online Learning Centre provides a fully managed, web based eLearning platform that allows airports to: Create online tests and assessments to certify staff competency on any topic Deliver online training and testing using existing training manuals and documents Track staff progress and maintain all training records for audit and compliance purposes Contact the OLC Manager Eddie Ragauskas for more information» ^ Back to top



			Industry News Briefs
			Hartsfield-Jackson Manager Leaving Post The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jan. 25, By Eric Stirgus Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport general manager Ben DeCosta abruptly announced Monday he will leave his job running the world's busiest airport when his contract expires at the end of June. DeCosta, 64, who's managed the city of Atlanta-owned airport for 11 years, said in a statement it was time for a "change in direction" after talking to his wife. He said it was not an easy decision. View the complete article» Passenger Train Goes Into Operation Tuesday at Dulles Airport Washington Post, Jan. 26, By Lisa Rein Passengers at Dulles International Airport on Tuesday will join air travelers from Atlanta to Singapore who are whisked to their gates on sleek, spacious and speedy underground trains. View the complete article» FAA Cites Progress in Drive to Improve Commuter Airline Safety Wall Street Journal, Jan. 27, By Andy Pasztor Federal aviation regulators said new government and industry initiatives have succeeded in lifting the overall safety of U.S. commuter airlines. In a report released Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration said the improvements stem in part from closer government oversight of pilot training and from moves by carriers to better identify and track weak pilots. View the complete article» FAA: Controller Error Causes Planes To Get Too Close Near LA Airport, No Danger To Planes By Associated Press, Jan. 26 Federal Aviation Administration officials say an error by an air traffic controller allowed a commuter plane to get too close to a Boeing 767 on approach to Los Angeles International Airport last week. View the complete article» ^ Back to top



			Events On Approach
			ACI-NA/AAAE Spring Washington Conference March 2-4 The Omni Shoreham, Washington, D.C. Hotel Cut-off: Feb. 5 ACI-NA/AAAE Spring Washington Conference: Hotel Cutoff Next Friday The annual Spring Washington Conference will be held March 2-4 at The Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C. Participants will discuss crucial airport issues and how they can be accomplished in today’s every changing political environment. View the agenda Feb. 5 is deadline for the early-bird registration discount and hotel deadline to receive the special group rate of $269 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. In order to make your room reservation, please call the hotel directly at (202) 234-0700 or toll free (800) 843-6664. Register online before the early-bird cut-off date. More details: Housing, agenda, sponsorships, and more» Air Cargo Conference: Change is the Norm – Different Ideas for Different Airports This year’s Air Cargo Conference will be held March 9-11 at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, The conference will features sessions that will examine current air cargo commercial and policy landscape, discuss the business of air cargo, and share strategies to enhance air cargo revenue. Featured Speakers Include: • Dan Muscatello, Landrum & Brown • Tom Phillips, Keiser Phillips Associates • Ken Cushine, Frasca and Associates • Mike Bednarz, PANYNJ • Wayne Duzita, IAT Management View a more detailed agenda Feb. 15 is deadline for the early-bird registration discount and hotel deadline to receive the special group rate of $209 at the The Fairmont Hotel. In order to make your room reservation, please call the hotel directly at (206) 621-1700 ext. 3131 or at (800) 441-1414. Register online before the early-bird cut-off date. Conference Registrations Now Available: April 11-14: Airport Commissioners Conference Meet and network with others in the unique position of airport governing board members. Join airport directors, board, commission and authority members to discuss the complex issues related to effective planning and management of an airport. More details: Housing, agenda, registration, and more» April 26-29: Co-Located Meetings: Orlando Public Safety & Security Spring Conference Join fellow airport and industry colleagues for informative an in-depth discussions on some of the most critical issues facing airports in public safety and security. Participating in the program will be high-level TSA and FAA officials. More details: Housing, agenda, registration, and more» Operations & Technical Affairs Conference Join airport operations managers, planners, program managers, engineers, and public safety officials for an in-depth program tailored to your specific areas of expertise. More details: Housing, agenda, registration, and more» Business Information Technologies Conference Airport IT professionals and industry experts will discuss the latest ways to deal with current IT challenges, maximize the value of your airport IT infrastructure, and anticipate new technology initiatives. This conference will highlight how security, safety, efficiency and technology converge to make the airport of the future a reality. More details: Housing, agenda, registration, and more» See upcoming ACI-NA Events» ^ Back to top



			Committee Update
			Commissioners' Committee The ACI-NA Commissioners’ Committee is made up of representatives from among the more than 400 airport board members, commissioners, and trustees who serve on aviation boards, commissions, councils, and authorities, and who set policy for and oversee the management of their airport organizations. The committee shares information and expertise from among their peers to promote the discussion and formation of policy positions in the support of aviation, and to provide training and educations opportunities for its members. Additionally, the Commissioners Committee plays a vital role in supporting the ACI-NA Government Affairs Department’s efforts on Capitol Hill. In conjunction with ACI-NA Spring Washington Legislative Conference, the committee will host the Commissioners Congressional Reception on March 3. This is an important evening and an opportunity for both commissioners and ACI-NA members to meet members of Congress and federal officials, and to show appreciation for their support of aviation issues. During the reception, the committee leadership will present the Commissioners’ Congressional Leadership Award to U.S. Rep Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) for his outstanding contributions to the aviation industry and his efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax. Additionally, the committee will announce the 2010 Commissioners’ scholarships spring recipients. Additionally, the Commissioners Committee will hold their annual 2010 Airport Board Members and Commissioner Conference on April 11-13in Savannah. Contact ACI-NA’s Paul Eubanks for more information» Learn more about ACI-NA Committees and Programs» ^ Back to top



			aci-na.org
			Blog: End Redundant Bag Screening ACI-NA President Greg Principato in his recent blog posting noted that it is time to end the redundant re-screening of bags of passengers originating in Canada and transferring in the U.S. It is time to understand that it makes no sense to continue to treat Canada the way our laws, regulations and processes do today. Read this blog entry» Presentions Posted Presentations from the recent Insurance & Risk Management Conference are now available in the ACI-NA E-Library. New Research Posted The General Accountability Office is recommending that the Secretary of Transportation direct FAA to create a review process for regional airport system plans and use its existing authority to give priority to funding these airport projects. The study found that 14 airports in 10 metro areas will be growth constrained and that alternative facilities need to be developed. The report noted that in some cases existing airports may resist the development of new airports. View the report» Developing Improved Civil Aircraft Arresting Systems: Airport Cooperative Research Program explores alternative materials that could be used for an engineered material arresting system (EMAS), as well as potential active arrestor designs for civil aircraft applications. The report examines cellular glass foam, aggregate foam, engineered aggregate, and a main-gear engagement active arrestor system. Guidebook for Evaluating Airport Parking Strategies and Supporting Technologies: Airport Cooperative Research Program explores various parking strategies and technologies that are employed, or have potential applications, at airports in the United States. Airport-to-Airport Mutual Aid Programs: Airport Cooperative Research Program has issued a request for proposals to prepare a guidebook to help public airport operators of all sizes and types to develop and implement national and/or regional airport-to-airport mutual aid programs to plan, assess, respond, and recover from an event that adversely affects operations of the airport. Proposals are due March 11. ^ Back to top



			Info Desk
			November 2009 Passenger Airline Employment Down 3.3 Percent U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 3.3 percent fewer workers in November 2009 than in November 2008, the 17th consecutive decrease in full-time equivalent employee levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported last week. View the complete release and data table» ^ Back to top



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


	Media Relations & Crisis Communications Seminar Jan. 27-29. Spring Washington Conference March 2-4 Commissioners' Congressional Reception March 3



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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 2010 Board of Directors Executive Committee G. Hardy Acree Chairman Director of Airports Sacramento County Airport System Sacramento Frank R. Miller First Vice Chair Aviation Director San Antonio Aviation Department San Antonio Thella Bowens Second Vice Chair President/CEO San Diego County Regional Airport Authority San Diego Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer CEO & Executive Director Massachusetts Port Authority Boston John D. Clark, III Immediate Past Chairman CEO Indianapolis Airport Authority Indianapolis Barry Rempel Ex-Officio President & CEO Winnipeg Airports Authority Winnipeg, Manitoba Directors Iftikar Ahmad Director of Aviation Dayton Department of Aviation Dayton Kim Day Manager of Aviation Denver Department of Aviation Denver 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 Reginald K. Milley President and CEO Edmonton Regional Airports Authority Edmonton, Alberta Brad Penrod Executive Director/CEO Allegheny County Airport Authority Pittsburgh Raul Regalado President & CEO Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Nashville Mark Reis Managing Director Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Seattle William Restall President & CEO Saskatoon Airport Authority Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Maureen Riley Executive Director Salt Lake City Department of Airports Salt Lake City 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 Mark VanLoh Director of Aviation Kansas City Aviation Department Kansas City ACI-NA President Greg Principato 2010 World Business Partners/ Associates Board of Directors Executive Committee Laddie E. Irion Chair Vice President/Director, Air Transportation URS Tampa Steven T. Baldwin Vice Chair Senior Vice President The Louis Berger Group Albany Robert A. Hazel Immediate Past Chair Partner Oliver Wyman Reston, Va. John D. Clark, III ACI-NA Board Liaison CEO Indianapolis Airport Authority Indianapolis Directors Roddy L. Boggus Executive Vice President, Aviation Gresham, Smith and Partners Dallas Paul Bowers Publisher Airport Improvement Magazine Brookfield, Wis. 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 Kitty P. Freidheim President Freidheim Consulting Chicago Evan C. Futterman President and CEO Futterman Consulting Springfield, Va. Kurt Krummenacker Assistant Vice President/Analyst Moody's Investors Service New York Randy D. Pope Associate Vice President, Aviation & Facilities Group Burns & McDonnell Kansas City



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