Airport Experience® News - Leadership & Culture Issue 2023

DATA CHECK

BIG GROWTH, BIG CHALLENGES Despite Growth, Financial Concerns Are Troubling Half Of U.S. Airport Leaders

BY CAROL WARD

However, U.S. airports face several hurdles in achieving this growth. Airport leaders reported ongoing labor issues, with 45% currently grappling with staffing shortages to cope with the increasing demands of flights and passengers. More than three-fifths (61%) of those surveyed identified staffing as a significant risk to their operations in the upcoming 12 months. Capacity is also a key concern, with 26% of U.S. airport leaders saying they are hampered by insufficient terminal space, preventing the addition of more airlines and posing a threat to their expansion and growth. Leaders also noted that disruptive events beyond their control - including delayed flights, air traffic faults or extreme weather – negatively impact their airport’s reputation. 45% of US airports are struggling to recruit enough staff to cope with influx of new passengers

The US predicts 150% passenger growth by 2040

irport leaders are apprehensive about their financial stability despite a surge in air travel,

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according to a new report from AeroCloud , the intelligent airport management platform designed to improve collaboration and operational efficiencies. Findings from the Getting on the Runway to Growth report, a comprehensive survey of 100 U.S. airport leaders conducted as part of a global study involving 200 airport leaders, show that 51% of U.S. airports haven’t seen their revenues recover to levels seen pre-pandemic. Recognizing the importance of growth, U.S. airport leaders plan to prioritize two key initiatives including increasing growth margins (93%) and optimizing and increasing capacity for take-off and landing slots (95%) to capitalize on the current surge in air travel.

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AX NEWS LEADERSHIP ISSUE 2023