Agenda To Be Set By End Of Month

The membership of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) has elected its 2004 Board of Directors, naming Patrick Graham, Executive Director of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (GA), as the aviation association's 2004 chairman. Graham has served as Savannah's Executive Director since 1992.

Airport CEOs from Canada and the United States make up the Board. A representative from ACI-NA's corporate members and two representatives of airport commissioners also have seats on the Board.

The 22-member board will set its 2004 agenda during the ACI-NA Winter Leadership meeting in Naples (FL) Jan. 30 - Feb. 1. During the meeting and throughout the year, the Board will focus on a number of issues pertinent to the airport industry in 2004. Among the priorities is the goal of ensuring that airports are provided opportunities giving directors operational and financial flexibility to manage their operations, improve capacity, and enhance customer service. Also, efforts will continue to focus on ensuring that there are no new unfunded mandates resulting from federal security requirements and regulations and that the provisions in the reauthorization bill are implemented.

"President Bush signed into law the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act on December 13 and while the bill didn't achieve all of our big bang goals, we're generally pleased with most provisions," said Graham. "This reauthorization expires in 2007 and until that time, ACI-NA will continue to fight yearly appropriations battles to ensure that the money is properly spent. We will also continue to voice concerns over the regulatory burdens and financial constraints placed on airports that hamper our ability to respond to customers' needs," he added.

In an effort to establish a new federal/airport partnership, airport directors have already called on government agencies to consult and take advantage of airport knowledge and experience when dealing with the passenger and baggage screening, as well as changes in facilitation and customs requirements. The Board will also discuss a standing invitation issued to airlines to engage in open and willing negotiations addressing airport finances, issues common to both entities including passenger flow, customer service, capacity, and capital improvement projects.

As chairman, Graham will head the board and its Executive Committee, which includes Kent George, Executive Director of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, First Vice Chairman; Steve Grossman, Director of Aviation of the Port of Oakland, Second Vice Chairman; and Fred Piccolo, Executive Director of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, Secretary-Treasurer. Also included on the Executive Committee is Gina Marie Lindsey, Director, Aviation Division for the Port of Seattle, who is ACI-NA's Immediate Past Chairman

FMI: www.aci-na.org