Uncertain Fate of Airlines, Funding Keeps Officials Alert

摘要

Passenger and general aviation airports across the United States are pushing ahead with big expansion plans. But monetary and political hurdles abound—including struggling airlines, the quest for space and anticipated new cargo security guidelines. Small and general aviation airports face a specific potential funding crisis next year. The presidential budget aims to chop Airport Improvement Program grants by 24%, to $2.8 billion (ENR2/13 p. 12). General aviation (GA) airports would lose their yearly entitlements of $150,000. "We want our billion dollars back," Phil Boyer, president of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, told attendees at the annual conference of the American Association of Airport Executives, held April 23-26 in San Diego.