Airport groups start FAA lobbying effort

One year ahead of the FAA reauthorization bill, two groups have launced airportsunited.com.    Airports Council International-North America has teamed up with the American Association of Airport Executives to begin lobbying for airport infrastructure, technology and safety improvements leading up to Congress’ 2015 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization.
   The groups have launched www.airportsunited.com to spread the word.
   “Today, we embark on an ambitious and collaborative year-long effort in support of America’s airports ahead of next year’s FAA reauthorization,” Kevin M. Burke, ACI-NA’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “The millions of passengers and cargo shippers we serve each day, along with the workers, businesses and customers we connect, expect their local airport to keep up with global competition and high service standards. Over the next year, we will work with the U.S. Congress, the Obama Administration and aviation stakeholders to achieve a modern aviation policy that promotes our position as a leader in the global transportation system.”
   Todd Hauptli, Burke’s counterpart at the AAAE, said the FAA bill has the chance to provide airports with the tools needed to compete.
   “Airports require additional self-help to make those improvements through a modernized local Passenger Facility Charge program,” he stated, “and we look forward to continuing to make that compelling case to travelers, the public and the Congress to encourage the adoption of policies that best serve the long-term interest of our country.”