As airlines cut service to small and mid-sized cities, once bustling airports now find whole terminals vacated, and are looking to find new revenue models for the vacated space, reports Jane L. Levere.
Rampant consolidation and cost-cutting in the airline industry have seen airlines concentrate more of their flights on bigger-city airports, to the detriment of formerly bustling hubs such as St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Oakland. "Airports generate revenue in two ways - through fees paid by airlines and general aviation operators and through income from parking, car rentals, concessions, advertising space sales and rentals of maintenance and other buildings," states Levere. Both funding sources have declined over recent years.
As a result, airports across the country are considering how best to use vacated facilities. Some airports are considering demolition of unused terminals, such as at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Others are looking to find new revenue streams. At Pittsburgh International Airport, staff are taking on maintenance services for the totality of the airport. At Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, two terminals are looking to be renovated into office space or revenue-generating parking space.
Cargo shipping by air also seems to be a bright spot, as Levere reports, "DHL, the global shipping company, has made Cincinnati its North American hub. Since 2009, DHL has invested $105 million on its operation there...DHL now generates 40 percent of the airport's landing fee revenues."
According to Levere, "As airlines continue to consolidate and cut back on their use of smaller, regional jets, more airports will be in the same difficult position - looking for new uses for unoccupied terminals, hangars and other specialized buildings. "
FULL STORY: As They Lose Traffic, Once Bustling Airports Have Space to Rent
Topics Planners Don't Often Think About, But Should
There are a number of areas of planning that offer planners a role, but are not necessarily at the front of our minds. At the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Conference, researchers shared results that can impact practice.
Old Airport to Become Large Urban Campground
An old disused airport in Brooklyn will be converted into an urban campground, expanding from its current 5 campsites to more than 600.
Ten Most Terrifying Airports in The World
The Web Urbanist counts down the ten most hair raising airports. "Flying may be one of the safest methods of travel but it doesn't always look that way."
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA
Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.
How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.
Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund
The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)