Bangkok--Sep 29--eTurbo news
The Air Transport Association on Monday gave its not to a modernization plan for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that would expedite development of much needed airport improvements.
"From the beginning, we shared Mayor Hahn's dual objectives of creating a safer and more secure LAX while continuing to set a high standard for customer service," said James C. May, ATA's president and chief executive officer. May spoke on behalf of ATA member airlines, as well as the LAX Airlines Airport Affairs Committee, which represent 80-plus passenger, cargo, domestic and international carriers that serve the airport.
"The challenge, however, was finding an acceptable flight plan to reach that objective that all parties could agree on. Admittedly there was a little turbulence after takeoff. But with a few course corrections, we believe the consensus plan is moving us in the right direction."
If approved by the Los Angeles City Council, the consensus plan would allow for work to begin on non-controversial or "green-lighted" projects, which the airline industry estimates will cost $3 billion to complete. Airport users, including the nation's airlines, would share the costs for LAX improvements; the exact amount would be determined after federal grants are in place.
Those projects consist of improvements that will deliver higher levels of runway safety, a more efficient airport infrastructure to improve the travel experience at LAX, a consolidated rental car facility, and the introduction of new transportation connection at LAX, linking mass transit systems, rental car lots, and other parking facilities.
The city council is scheduled to hold its first meeting on the consensus plan Oct. 19, with committee hearings scheduled Sept. 29 and Oct. 7.
"The LAX consensus plan is good for Los Angeles," May said. "It's good for the airlines. It's good for travelers. It's also good for local jobs in greater Los Angeles. And it's good for the local economy by energizing LAX as one of this region's primary economic engines.
"But more importantly, it's good for society as a whole because it shows a kind of restraint rarely seen in the planning and development of large-scale public projects by moving ahead on those things we can agree on rather than letting our disagreements stand in our way," May added.
The proposal, developed by Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn and City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, calls for the airport to move forward with essential elements of the LAX master plan, such as the realignment of the South Airfield to improve runway safety and enhancements to the Tom Bradley International Terminal. It would also require additional analysis and review before more controversial projects, such as Manchester Square, could proceed.
The Air Transport Association is the trade association for major US airlines. ATA member airlines transport 90 percent of all passenger and cargo traffic in the United States.
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--InfoQuest (NT)--