David Z. Plavin Will Discuss Congestion, Capacity

The 29th Annual FAA Aviation Forecast Conference, co-sponsored by Airports Council International-North America (ACI- NA), will be held today and tomorrow -- March 25-26, 2004 -- at the Washington, DC Convention Center. Throughout the conference, speakers and panels comprised of government and industry officials will address the future of the U.S. aviation system under the theme "The 2nd Century of Flight: The Outlook for Commercial and Civil Aviation."

ACI-NA President David Z. Plavin addressed airport views during a panel discussion on "The State of the Aviation Industry"" He discussed current airport perspectives on topics such as security as well as future growth needs in with regard to congestion and capacity.

"Despite the hurdles we've experienced over the past few years, the industry is improving. In many places numbers of flights have already exceeded year 2000 levels, and passengers are beginning to return as well," he said. "Now, more than ever, we need to focus on preparing an environment that will accommodate these demands. After all we've been through, we can't allow congestion to be the one item that handicaps our improvement efforts."

On Friday, Leonard Ginn, ACI-NA Senior Vice President of Economic and Associate Affairs, will moderate a panel on "Airport Perspectives" during the Airports/Infrastructure break out session. ACI-NA members from Albany International Airport, Van Nuys Airport, Naples Municipal Airport, and the City of Chicago will focus on modernization programs, environmental issues, general aviation matters, and the challenges that accompany air service development. Another airport session on Friday, "Issues Facing Airports," will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will address topics such as environmental concerns, essential air service, security, and small airport affairs.

FAA Administrator Marion Blakey and Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Norman Mineta were also on hand on Thursday to remark about the state of the aviation industry and DOT initiatives to support aviation growth.

FMI: www.aci-na.org