WASHINGTON, D.C. ─ Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) released the detailed results of the ACI-NA 2011 Capital Needs Survey. The comprehensive study provided information on all airport projects during the next five years, not just those that are Airport Improvement Program (AIP) eligible, as is the case with the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) report.

The ACI-NA 2011 Capital Needs study indicates that airports, including both commercial and general aviation airports, have $80.1 billion in total projects that are considered essential by the airport and airport users. Information on the types of projects by airport size for 2011–2015 is outlined in the report.

“The 2011 capital needs survey shows that airports must continue to improve airport infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public,” said ACI-NA President Greg Principato. “These projects, financed by the self-funded, job-creating Airport Improvement Program (AIP), as well as Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) user fees, allow communities to use local resources to fund local projects, generating local jobs. These projects also help reduce passenger delays and facilitate price and service competition for passengers across the United States.”

The Department of Transportation tells us that $1 billion in transportation infrastructure supports approximately 34,779. If all of the $80.1 billion in airport capital needs were met, the airport industry could help add 2 to 3 million jobs to our struggling economy.

To review the report, click here. For a presentation on the highlights of the study, click here.