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3PURPOSE OF THE SYNTHESIS Each year TRB sponsors a series of synthesis reports on current knowledge and practice in the airport industry. The intention of the synthesis is to develop a compendium of best available knowledge on addressing or resolving specific airport problems. Often, if the topic warrants further investigation, a full-scale research effort follows a synthesis project. This synthesis was initiated because a downturn in the demand for air service, general aviation, and cargo at U.S. airports in 2008 and 2009 has had a significant and negative impact on airport finances. Most airport revenue is derived directly from aeronautical activity and services provided to passengers or other airport users. Because the scope of the downturn impacted most sectors of aviation activity, airport operators have actively pursued a combination of strategies, techniques, and incentives to retain and broaden the portfolio of businesses located at the airport. The purpose of this study is to report on current oppor- tunities to enhance and diversify airport revenue. Areas of particular interest include: ⢠Alternative land and/or facility uses ⢠Revenue-producing business activities ⢠Airport land exchanges ⢠Land and facility improvements ⢠Streamlined permitting ⢠Tenant services ⢠Renewable energy ⢠Incentive programs ⢠Rent waivers or rebates ⢠Military or civil joint use agreements. The Synthesis Topic Panel also acknowledges that (1) sound management practices, (2) efforts to develop air service and to increase passenger use of an airport, and (3) development of concessions and services within the airport terminal are all vital components of cost control, revenue enhancement, and an airportâs rate of return on investments. These topics are addressed in other ACRP research and syntheses efforts. Several ACRP projects have been completed or are cur- rently active and serve as valuable additional resources to a discussion of this topic. Table 1 summarizes relevant studies and syntheses. STUDY METHODOLOGY Information used in this synthesis was collected through an extensive literature review and telephone interviews with airport operators and industry experts. Information sources included the ACIâNA e-library, AAAE, FAA, and individual airport operators. To facilitate further investigation of the topic, a bibliography, list of contacts, and consolidated list of examples are presented at the end of the synthesis. REPORT STRUCTURE The synthesis is organized in three parts as shown in Figure 1. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
4FIGURE 1 Report structure. Source: KRAMER aerotek inc. (2009). Project Number Project/Publication Title ACRP 01-04 Marketing Techniques for Small Airports ACRP 01-06 Guidebook for Developing an Airport Performance-Measurement System ACRP 01-07 Airport/Airline Agreements and Rate MethodologiesâPractices and Characteristics ACRP 01-08 Guidebook on Best Management Practices for Leasing and Developing Airport Property ACRP 01-09 Airport Performance Indicators ACRP 01-11 Understanding Airport In-Terminal Concession Program ACRP 03-08 Passenger Air Service Development Techniques ACRP 03-09 Guidebook for Strategic Planning in the Airport Industry ACRP Synthesis 1 Innovative Finance and Alternative Sources of Revenue for Airports ACRP Synthesis 7 Airport Economic Impact Methods and Models Source: Assembled by KRAMER aerotek inc., from http://www.trb.org/ACRP/ACRPProjects.aspx (2009). ACRP 01-15 Assessing and Implementing Innovative Revenue StrategiesâA Guide for Airports ACRP Synthesis Topic S03-06 Strategies for Re-use of Underutilized or Vacant Airport Facilities TABLE 1 RELEVANT ACRP STUDIES AND SYNTHESES