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Issue link: http://airportbusiness.epubxp.com/i/818811
WASHINGTON WATCH 22 airportbusiness May 2017 (AAAE) to compare and consolidate our lists. Both organizations then provided a single list to President Trump and his administration on several key areas, including land use, air ser- vice development and airport design standards LAND USE In our meeting with President Trump, we dis- cussed the burdensome regulations that pre- vent airports from developing airport land for non-aeronautical purposes to generate addi- tional revenue streams. We recommend remov- ing the FAA's role in approving or restricting non-aeronautical development of airport land obtained without federal assistance. This would give airports full control to make business deci- sions to drive non-aeronautical revenue. AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT Air service is a top concern for airports as they work diligently to secure a variety of carriers to improve competition, lower fares, expand service and provide a fuller range of air ser- vice options for their communities. However, regulatory restrictions and less airline com- petition have led to an even more challenging environment for airport business development. We urged the Trump Administration to allow airports much needed flexibility in fostering new air service so that we can take an entre- preneurial approach when it comes to attracting service that benefits the traveling public and the local communities with lower airfares. DESIGN STANDARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL FACILITIES International air service is the fastest grow- ing sector for many airports. Our recommen- dations urge the Trump administration to be flexible in its application of the current Airport Technical Design Standards (ATDS) on airports that receive or are interested in receiving inter- national air service. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) should consult with airports to develop a new design standard that is scalable to airport size and reduces costs. The cost of the current design standards, if left unchanged, could force airports to forego the international air services they are trying to attract, limiting competition, passenger choice and jobs. These recommendations represent just a sampling of the regulatory burdens airports face each day. I encourage airports to share your own experiences with your Congressional representatives and demonstrate how providing airports with more flexibility will result in even more successful enterprises that drive econom- ic growth in your communities and the nation as a whole. Kevin Burke is President and CEO of Airports Council InternaƟonal — North America. Kevin M. Burke ABOUT THE AUTHOR ACI-NA met with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in March. ACI-NA