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The aviation industry has seen dramatic changes in the past two decades with significant growth during the 1990s; a significant industry disruptive event on September 11, 2001; and an economic decline resulting in a sharp rise in fuel prices that has substantially changed the eco- nomics of airline operations and a decline in growth. During this period, airlines have adapted to the changes in various ways, many of which have resulted in adaptability issues for airport operators, thus raising the question of âis there a better wayâ to be more flexible and responsive to airline service changes in good and bad times. From an airline perspective, cost reduction since September 11 has been a prominent focus. From an airport operator perspective, adapt- ing to and accommodating changing flight services by incumbent carriers as well as new entrant services has been a key focus. In recent years, offering more cost-effective solutions to retain or encourage new services in the face of service reductions has become a key focus. Airport oper- ator interests in common use have been heightened by the potential for achieving a reason- able balance between airline and airport operator interests. The implications of transitioning from a traditional model (of airline facility use and leasing focused on dedicated facilities) to common use has elicited varying and, often, conflicting perceptions of benefit and cost. Objectives The objective of this research was to develop a reference guide for airport and airline pro- fessionals to use in making informed decisions about implementing common use. In prepar- ing the guide, the research team was to explore the topic beyond the technology aspects of common use and investigate and provide guidance on all aspects of an airport operation that might be affected by a non-dedicated common-use facility. The primary objectives of the reference guide can be summarized as follows: 1. Identify and understand the financial, operational, liability, safety, customer service, and competitive elements of common use in terms of utilization of airport facilities and the provision of services; 2. Provide detailed analyses and information so as to enable individual airports and airlines to evaluate the feasibility and applicability of implementing common use; and 3. Provide common practices for evaluating, implementing, operating, and maintaining common-use facilities and services. Approach In performing this research, the research team accomplished three major activities: data collection, data analysis, and document preparation. The foundation of the data collec- tion activity was a collection of carefully developed surveys, specifically tailored to collect 1 S U M M A R Y Reference Guide on Understanding Common Use at Airports
information from a sample population of airports, airlines, stakeholders, and entities from other industries. To gather high-quality data, the research team developed an interview and survey list for airports and airlines. The research team decided on two important factors: (1) data must be collected from representatives of airports and airlines of differing sizes and makeups and (2) the survey process would be supplemented by site interviews or work ses- sions with airports and airlines to ensure sufficient data were collected from all divisional sections of both. The research team then worked with a small subset of airlines and airports to sift through the details of the survey and prepare the final set of survey questions. The research team then prepared an interview list, based on the following demographics: ⢠Size of airport (an appropriate mix of large, medium, small, and non-hub) ⢠Airlines with hub and non-hub operations ⢠Airports and airlines that have experience with common use, with an emphasis on the following: â Significant international common-use utilization â Significant domestic common-use utilization â Using different CUTE vendors to cover a wide spectrum of providers ⢠Airports that present special considerations The data collection activity resulted in completed surveys from 20 airports (11 of which participated in onsite interviews) and 11 airlines (3 of which participated in workshop sessions). All demographic criteria listed above were met through survey information received. As part of the data collection process and to gain additional insight to the international common-use market, the research team conducted a literature search and pulled informa- tion from ACRP Synthesis 8: Common Use Facilities and Equipment at Airports. Finally, the research team interviewed aviation-related stakeholders and representatives from other industries for further insight. All of the information was gathered, analyzed, and detailed to prepare this Reference Guide. As the research team continued to work with the document content, it became apparent that the amount of information which needed to be conveyed and the broad audience expected to use the information created a challenge in organizing the printed document. To address this challenge, the research team developed an electronic visual flythrough of an airport. This fly- through allows readers to use personal computers and web browsers to navigate an imaginary airport and pull up sections of the document that apply to that portion of the airport. This solution allows readers to use the material in ways that make sense to them and reduces the need to search for data in the printed document. Results The result of this research is a comprehensive Reference Guide that gives airport operators the information and tools necessary to make decisions about common use. This product also provides guidance on the issues and opportunities important to the airlines in conducting business at common-use airports. This Reference Guide is written to permit readers to make their own decisions based on current industry facts and unique business objectives at each airport. In addition, the airport flythrough provides readers with an interactive tool to gain a deeper insight into common use and how it applies to various areas of an airport operation. 2 Reference Guide on Understanding Common Use at Airports
