Absorbing the skies

World wide travel continues to grow and continues to exceed all growth forecasts. To accommodate this upturn it is essential for the expansion of new airports. This fact is magnified somewhat in America where before long we will see one billion passengers departing from U.S. airports.

China, as a contrast, may be building 20 new airports with an operating time frame of two years or less. This trend will also continue in emerging markets such as Asia, South America and Africa, however the challenge for global airports remains the same; to increase the capacity and to avoid gridlock and congestion.

The fact is that nations have to build new airports. Within North America and Europe a few airports will be built but will construction of these airports be enough to meet the global air travel demand. But the questions remains; where can new airports be built? Converted exmilitary/ civil airports, offshore or adjacent to shore airports are all possibilities. Many nations however, also have strict environmental restraints in building new facilities that can delay the consent and construction of a new facility. It is obvious that balance is needed. One side of this required balance can be levelled out by the role of airlines. Planes are set to become more fuel efficient and greener with quieter engines and lighter composites for their structure. Ultimately then, progress in airline design and manufacturing will make airports more environmentally friendly.

The United States needs at least six new international airports if it wants to compete in the global aviation challenge. Ideally there should be two in California, one in the Pacific- Northwest, one on the Midwest and one in the Southeast, all contributing towards the required increase of airport capacity. According to the 2010 US-TRB ACRP Report 21 (Sponsored by the FAA), if the US does not expand airport capacity the “the cost of air travel in the future (2025) would range from about $9 billion to about $20 billion, if none of the present capacity constraints were addressed.” Of course, strong leadership, strategic planning and a review of public policy and political resolve will be the key to success.

In Washington, innovation and creativity will be needed to ensure that the country retains its competitive aviation edge. As we look to the future the view is intriguing. Airlines have to be well managed and continue to prosper. Mergers and global alliances will continue with foreign interest gaining greater control of many national carriers in many nations. Airlines in North America will continue to expand and draw passengers away from distant smaller communities, it is very possible that in less than six years time some unmanned cargo flights will be seen. Speeds of aircraft will increase from 600mph up to 1500mph and hydrogen powered 1500 passenger capacity airplanes becoming a reality.

In the short term the NEX GEN air traffic control initiative will improve elements of air transportation but this success can only be harboured through the construction of new national and international airports in the U.S. and around the world.

Aviation environments and airports inspire enthusiasm and excitement and there is incredible progress on the horizon. It is essential we all move together to encompass this.

About the Author

Bill Shea is a national and international aviation expert. His former positions include Associate Administrator for Airports at the FAA as well as advocate for the National System of Airports. He has published numerous aviation articles, two books and a memoir.