Airport Privatization: Issues Related to the Sale or Lease of U.S. Commercial Airports

摘要

The possible sale or lease of commercial airports in the United States to private companies has generated considerable attention in recent years. Such cities as New York and Los Angeles have considered privatizing their airports. proponents claim that privatization would inject much needed capital into the aviation infrastructure because it would make airports more commercially oriented and financially self-sufficient. Opponents say that local governments favor privatization as a way to divert airport revenue intended for developing aviation infrastructure to other municipal purposes, resulting in increased costs for airlines and passengers. The Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, requested that GAO examine (1) the current extent of private sector participation at commercial airports in the United States and foreign countries; (2) the current incentives and barriers to the sale or lease of airports; and (3) the potential implications for major stakeholders, such as the passengers, airlines, and local, state, and federal governments, should airports be sold or leased. This report expands on testimony provided to the Subcommittee in February 1966.