A new study by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) has found that airports in the USA will need to invest US$100bn in infrastructure over the next five years to support the growth in passenger numbers and support aircraft innovation.
Airport infrastructure needs: 2017-2021 analyzed data from 100 US airports and found that 54.1% of requirements involved terminal projects, 24.7% represent landside requirements, and 21.2% represented airside improvements.
LAX, which was one of the airports analyzed, is currently undertaking a US$14bn modernization program to improve the guest experience, including major terminal renovations, a new Midfield Satellite Concourse and the proposed Landside Access Modernization Program. Several of the projects were included in the ACI-NA infrastructure needs study.
Deborah Flint, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, said, “It was important for LAX to participate in this study because it points out the long-term needs of our airport and others across the nation. Airports of all sizes combined have an investment need of US$20bn annually for improvements to modernize aging airfields and terminals, and relieve congestion and delays – all of which will significantly improve the passenger experience.”
Large hub airports similar to LAX, which handle 72.6% of all enplanements, account for US$60.4bn of total airport infrastructure needs over the five-year period. Large hub airports reported an increase of 50.6% in infrastructure needs from 2015. Terminal projects represent 59.6% of large hub airport infrastructure needs, whereas landside projects represent 24.5% and airside projects represent 16%.
Kevin M Burke, president and CEO of ACI-NA, said, “In recent months, President Donald J Trump and policy makers on both sides of the aisle have become outspoken advocates for America’s airports and the state of airport infrastructure. Our airports are powerful engines of economic growth and job creation for local communities across the USA. At the same time, America’s airports have significant infrastructure needs that must be addressed to remain competitive in the global aviation system and support our economy. This study is an important tool in educating policy makers about the real and significant infrastructure challenges America’s airports face.”