RAMON LOPEZ / WASHINGTON DC
Officials make plea for federal funds to pay for additional security costs
US airports are looking to the US Congress for financial aid in the wake of the 11 September terrorist assault on the country. Airport officials say they need the financial backing to pay for extra security measures that are being mandated by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
The airports join other aviation users in seeking a federal government bailout. For example, several US lawmakers have co-sponsored a bill that would provide assistance to those who lost their jobs due to reductions in airline services.
It would extend unemployment benefits up to 72 weeks and subsidise health insurance coverage for displaced workers. Meanwhile, another US lawmaker has introduced legislation that would provide relief to small aviation businesses, such as flight schools and aircraft maintenance shops. The bill would provide federal grants to small companies that have incurred losses since the terrorist hijackings. It would also provide one-year interest-free loans to the affected businesses.
Airports Council International - North America says the terrorist attacks are taking their financial toll on airlines and airports. It believes the $15 billion bailout enacted for the nation's air carriers should be extended to the airports as well. It says fewer passengers means reduced revenues for airport operators. Los Angeles International, for example, lost $2 million per day when air traffic was grounded. Without federal support, US airports will have to dramatically raise airport landing fees.
Meanwhile, airports are being forced to absorb the cost of increased security measures. John Wayne Airport, California, for example, is paying $1 million more per month for security enhancements. Atlanta's Hartsfield International is paying twice that amount. "Airport security is a national security issue" and thus the financial responsibility of the federal government, says ACI-NA.
The association says funds can come from a ticket security surcharge or from passenger facility charges and airport improvement funds, which are now limited to airport capital investments.
Source: Flight International
