2025 Airport Management Elaborations
What is the definition of an airport?
An area of land or water which is used (or intended to be used) for airport buildings or
other airport facilities or right-of-way, together with all airport buildings and facilities located
thereon.
It also includes any heliport.
What can an airport be used for?
Tourism, Tax revenue, Employment, and Business Development
How many airports are used for public use?
5,314
How many total Airports in the U.S.
19,306
How many airports are used for non-public use?
13,992
How many airports are public owned?
4,160
How many airports are privately owned?
1,154
What type of entities own airports?
City: 33%
County: 15%
State: 7%
Port Authority: 9%
Airport Authority: 30%
Other (FAA, University, etc.): 6%
What are the most popular types of airport ownership?
City: 33%
Airport Authority: 30%
What are the advantages to city owned airports?
Access to resources (taxes, savings)
Access to land
Power to Tax
Access to City Departments (Fire, Police, Public Works)
What are the pros of an Airport Authority?
Focused Leadership
Shared Taxation/Representation
Economies of Scale
What are the cons of an Airport Authority?
Many have limited services
Liabilities
What are the powers of an Airport Authority?
Hire/Fire appointed members of governing body
Enter into Contracts
What is the definition of an airport?
An area of land or water which is used (or intended to be used) for airport buildings or
other airport facilities or right-of-way, together with all airport buildings and facilities located
thereon.
It also includes any heliport.
What can an airport be used for?
Tourism, Tax revenue, Employment, and Business Development
How many airports are used for public use?
5,314
How many total Airports in the U.S.
19,306
How many airports are used for non-public use?
13,992
How many airports are public owned?
4,160
How many airports are privately owned?
1,154
What type of entities own airports?
City: 33%
County: 15%
State: 7%
Port Authority: 9%
Airport Authority: 30%
Other (FAA, University, etc.): 6%
What are the most popular types of airport ownership?
City: 33%
Airport Authority: 30%
What are the advantages to city owned airports?
Access to resources (taxes, savings)
Access to land
Power to Tax
Access to City Departments (Fire, Police, Public Works)
What are the pros of an Airport Authority?
Focused Leadership
Shared Taxation/Representation
Economies of Scale
What are the cons of an Airport Authority?
Many have limited services
Liabilities
What are the powers of an Airport Authority?
Hire/Fire appointed members of governing body
Enter into Contracts
