The ACI-NA Airport Benchmarking program continues to develop an airport-based process that permits airport executives to compare their facilities and operations with similar airports. The program, now completing its first full-year in 2005, is comprised of two major initiatives: Macro-Benchmarking and Airport Initiatives in Measurement (AIM).

The Macro-Benchmarking Survey was designed to compare airports across five important parameters. Fifty-five airports completed the Macro surveys this year, including 17 large hubs, 18 medium hubs, 14 small hubs, four non-hubs, and two GA airports. The benchmarking process started with compiling financial numbers reported to the FAA (in Form 127) and making adjustments to ensure comparability. In cases where terminals are owned or operated by airlines, the goal is to acquire the data from airlines so that benchmarks such as cost per enplanement are all inclusive. To this point, however, no airlines have provided the requisite information, making comparisons with involving airports with terminals owned or operated by airlines in complete.

The AIM initiative was started by Tampa International Airport (TPA) in 2001. At the request of the Membership Services Task Force, ACI-NA has broadened TPA's initial effort to include all ACI-NA members. This year, 47 airports completed the AIM survey, including 17 large hubs, 16 medium hubs, 11 small hubs and three non-hubs. The AIM survey includes 44 micro-level detailed benchmarks covering areas such as employment, revenue, cost and airport concessions. Airports that participate in the AIM survey have full access to the complete database. With the data, members can identify their "peer" airports to make any comparisons they need. ACI-NA will roll out the AIM survey next year in two phases. During the first phase, airports with fiscal years ending Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 2005 will be surveyed in January 2006. In April 2006, the second phase will start surveying airports with fiscal year ending Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2005. Airport participation is critical.

FMI: www.aci-na.aero