Primer:  Airport Ownership and Operations


In the U.S., most airports are public non-profits, run directly by government entities or government-created authorities, known as airport or port authorities.


Generally, 6 all-encompassing departments within each commercial airport allow it to run as efficiently and effectively as possible.

 

Commercial Airports are operated by 1 of 6 entities:

  • City -- 33% are city-operated. Examples include Atlanta and Austin.
  • County -- 15% are county-operated. Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas are examples.
  • State -- 7% are state run. Honolulu and Anchorage are examples.
  • Port Authority -- 9% use a port authority. Examples include New York City and Oakland.
  • Airport Authority -- 30% use an airport authority. Washington’s Reagan National and Dulles as well as Nashville are examples.
  • Other -- 6%. Examples include Dallas/Fort Worth, which is the result of contract between the two cities, and Monterrey, Calif., which is operated by a special local tax district.

 

Airport Organizational Structure

The person charged with overseeing the airport is typically referred to as the Airport Director, Aviation Director or CEO. This person determines policy direction for their respective organization and has several deputies – each responsible for a specific department.

 

Departments

  • Legal
  • Marketing and Public Affairs
  • Finance and Administration
  • Engineering and Maintenance
  • Operations
  • Safety and Security

 

Department Functions

Legal

  • Reviews all contracts and other agreements
  • Represents the airport in any legal proceeding

Marketing and Public Affairs

  • Markets the airport to airlines
  • Handles press inquires and publicizes airport activities
  • Provides customer service and community relations

Finance and Administration

  • Sets/monitors the annual budget
  • Monitors capital improvement plan
  • Prepares airport bond issues
  • Provides oversight of contractors
  • Provides accounting, purchasing, statistics and personnel services

Engineering and Maintenance

  • Oversees all work done on the airport airfield, in the terminal and other airport properties
  • Provides building, vehicle and equipment maintenance
  • Maintains runways, taxiways and roads

Operations

  • Ensures efficient operation of the airfield and terminal
  • Interfaces with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection.
  • Manages terminal and landside facilities and airside operations
  • Provides general planning

Safety and Security

  • Provides fire, crash and rescue services
  • Retains medical staff to respond to aircraft emergencies
  • Secures public areas of the airport

 

 Compiled by A.J. Muldoon (amuldoon@aci-na.org),

Manager, Center for Policy and Regulatory Affairs