Lois Larson
Airports are essential for the economic development of a place, improving communication, creating jobs, and generating economic activity. There are approximately 5,000 public-use airports open to the public and 14,400 private-use airports closed to the public. Airports are divided into two main areas: airside and landside. Airside includes runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking areas, while landside caters to passengers and includes terminal buildings, customs, and car parking. Airports can be owned by government agencies, or they can be privately or commercially owned. They are responsible for the safety of individuals on their premises and often require liability insurance in case of injuries or property damage. Airport custodial services or airport custodians are responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of the airport, including cutting grass, cleaning, operating snowplows, and maintaining runway lights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An airport is defined in the law as any area of land or water used or intended for the landing or takeoff of aircraft, including appurtenant areas used or intended for airport buildings, facilities, and rights of way, together with the buildings and facilities. |
| Types | Commercial Service Airports, Nonprimary Commercial Service Airports, Reliever Airports, General Aviation Airports, National, Regional, Local, Basic, and Unclassified Airports, Public-use Airports, Private-use Airports |
| Ownership | Agency-owned, Privately-owned, Commercially-owned |
| Services | Flight check-in, security control, passport control, waiting areas, assistance services, catering, VIP lounges, essential purchases, trade areas, customs, car parking, etc. |
| Economic Impact | Airports are essential for the economic development of a place, creating jobs, generating economic activity, and revaluing the environment. |
| Globalization | Airports facilitate global connectivity, catering to both business and leisure travel needs. |
| Insurance | Airports may be required to carry liability insurance in case of injuries or property damage on the premises. |
| Custodial Services | Grass-cutting, snow and ice removal, cleaning, window cleaning, runway light maintenance, janitorial work, general upkeep, and cleanliness. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport ownership and management
Airports are complex operations, with a complicated system of aircraft support services, passenger services, and aircraft control services. Airports can be major employers and important hubs for tourism and other types of transit. Airports are subject to numerous regulations and safety measures to reduce hazards, and they can have a significant environmental impact in terms of air and noise pollution.
The ownership and management of airports can vary. In the UK, for example, airports can be fully private, with a single entity or company in control and responsible for operations. Private ownership can attract investment and allow for more flexible decision-making and resource allocation. Alternatively, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model combines government and private investment and aims to improve efficiency and service quality. Fully public ownership means the government has complete control and management authority, with operations funded, regulated, and overseen by the government. Publicly owned airports are accountable to government authorities and the general public and are expected to prioritise public interest and ensure safety and security.
In the US, many airports lease part or all of their facilities to outside firms, which then operate functions such as retail management and parking. Airports in Texas, for example, are required to carry liability insurance in case someone is injured on the property. Co-owners of airports are responsible for the safety of those in the portion of the airport they occupy.
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Airport liability insurance
There are two main types of airport liability insurance: primary and excess. Primary insurance provides coverage for the first layer of protection up to the policy limit, while excess insurance covers any additional damages that exceed the policy limit. Most airport liability insurance policies include both primary and excess coverage to provide the best protection.
- Lawsuits and litigation: This insurance can help cover the costs of legal defence, settlements, and damages awarded in a suit.
- Aircraft accidents: It can help cover the costs of repairs, replacements, and medical expenses if an accident occurs on airport property.
- Passenger injuries: This insurance may cover injuries sustained by passengers while on airport property.
- Third-party bodily injury: This coverage can help pay for the medical expenses and damages incurred by an injured third party on airport premises.
- Third-party property damage: If property owned by a third party is damaged while on airport premises, this insurance can help cover the repairs.
In addition to the above, airport liability insurance can also include specific coverages such as airport premises liability coverage and aircraft hangarkeepers liability coverage. The former protects against lawsuits arising from accidents or injuries on airport property, while the latter is for those who operate hangars and are at risk from storing and maintaining aircraft.
Overall, airport liability insurance is a crucial aspect of running an airport, providing protection from a variety of potential risks and ensuring the safety and security of all involved.
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Airport injuries and legal recourse
Airports are busy places, with millions of travellers passing through them each day. With so much activity in a confined space, it is not surprising that airports can be common sites for injuries. If you are injured at an airport, you may be entitled to compensation. Here is some information on airport injuries and legal recourse.
Common Causes of Airport Injuries
Every area of an airport poses some risk of injury, from parking lots and baggage claim areas to onboard an aircraft. Some of the most common ways airport injuries occur include vehicle crashes, runway accidents, and turbulence or falling objects. Other causes include slips, trips, and falls due to walking surface irregularities such as slippery surfaces, spills, debris, and unsafe floor mats.
Determining Liability
Determining who is at fault for an airport injury can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved. In general, airlines are liable when they are directly at fault for injuries that occur on their airplanes or in areas under their control within the airport, such as ticketing counters. Airports themselves may also be liable for injuries caused by negligence, such as unsafe maintenance, spills, or faulty equipment. Airport management is responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment for visitors in all areas of the airport, including terminals, gates, waiting areas, and food courts.
Legal Recourse
If you are injured at an airport, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. Report the incident to airport security and seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. You may also want to consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in premises liability law to investigate the incident and gather proof of negligence. In some cases, you may be able to receive a settlement from the airport or other liable parties without filing a legal claim. However, if you plan to file a personal injury claim, be mindful of the statute of limitations, which varies by jurisdiction.
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Airport custodial services
Custodial services are an essential aspect of airport operations, encompassing a range of tasks that ensure the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of the airport premises. These services are provided by custodial workers who are responsible for maintaining the airport facilities and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Airport custodial workers are tasked with a variety of duties that contribute to the smooth operation of the airport. These duties can be broadly categorized into routine manual labour and customer service. The manual aspect involves maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the airport, including floors, restrooms, and other public areas. Custodial workers may also be responsible for landscaping, such as mowing grass, trimming hedges, and removing snow and ice from walkways. They play a crucial role in ensuring the airport premises are safe and comfortable for passengers.
In addition to maintenance tasks, custodial workers in airports also provide limited customer service. They assist passengers by offering directions to various airport facilities, such as the information desk, restrooms, baggage claim, transportation, and exits. They serve as the first line of support for travellers who may need help navigating the airport or locating specific services. Furthermore, custodial workers are trained to report any security concerns or damages to the appropriate authorities, contributing to the overall safety and security of the airport environment.
The scope of airport custodial services extends beyond basic cleaning and customer assistance. Custodial workers are often required to possess a range of skills, including the ability to make simple repairs to buildings and equipment. They may also be responsible for restocking supplies, moving furniture, and performing other incidental duties as assigned. In some cases, custodial workers may even serve as guards or night watchmen to ensure the security of the airport premises during non-operational hours.
Supervising custodial services is a critical role in airport management. Custodial supervisors are responsible for overseeing the work of the custodial staff, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and in line with the airport's standards. They may also be involved in training and motivating their team, as well as handling more specialized tasks. The salary for a custodial services supervisor can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and education, but it generally ranges from $39,131 to $54,028 per year, with an average hourly rate of $22.
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Airport categories
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a system for categorizing public-use airports. The categorization is primarily based on the level of commercial passenger traffic through each facility. The categories are as follows:
Primary Airports
Commercial Service Airports that have more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year. These are further subcategorized based on the number of passenger boardings as a fraction of the national total. The subcategories are:
- Nonhub primary: Airports handling over 10,000 but less than 0.05% of the country's annual passenger boardings.
- Small hub primary: Airports with 0.05–0.25% of the country's annual passenger boardings.
- Medium hub primary: Airports handling 0.25–1% of the country's annual passenger boardings.
- Large hub primary: Airports handling over 1% of the country's annual passenger boardings.
Nonprimary Airports
Commercial Service Airports that have between 2,500 and 10,000 passenger boardings each year. These are identified with a role in the national airport system based on their activity. Five roles are utilized: National, Regional, Local, Basic, and Unclassified.
General Aviation Airports
Airports that must have at least 10 aircraft based there but handle fewer than 2,500 scheduled passengers each year. This means that most aircraft are small and are operated by individuals or other private entities, and there is little to no commercial airline traffic.
Reliever Airports
These are essentially large general-aviation airports located in metropolitan areas that serve to offload small aircraft traffic from hub airports in the region.
Additionally, the FAA has a Part 139 Airport Certification process that reclassifies airports into four new classes based on the type of air carrier operations served: Class I, Class II, and Class IV airports are those that currently hold Part 139 Airport Operating Certificates (AOCs). Class III are those airports that will be newly certificated.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport custodian is responsible for the upkeep of the airport, including cutting grass, cleaning windows, operating snowplows, maintaining runway lights, and performing janitorial work. They are also liable for the airport's general upkeep and cleanliness.
There are approximately 14,400 private-use (closed to the public) and 5,000 public-use (open to the public) airports, heliports, and seaplane bases worldwide.
If you are injured at an airport, you may want to seek out a lawyer who works in the field of premises liability law. The owner, lessor, or operator of the airport may be required to carry liability insurance in the event that someone is injured on the property.
