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There are several types of airports, including commercial service airports, non-primary commercial service airports, primary commercial service airports, general aviation airports, national airports, regional airports, and local airports. Airports are places for the landing and takeoff of aircraft and are typically divided into public and private airports. The former are owned by government entities, while the latter are privately owned. Airports are major employers and important hubs for tourism and other types of transit. They are also major sources of air and noise pollution, which can affect the sleep and health of nearby residents.
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What You'll Learn
Airport classifications
Airports are classified based on various factors, including the level of commercial passenger traffic, the type of aircraft operations, and their role in the national airport system. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorises public-use airports, heliports, and aviation bases.
Commercial Service Airports
Commercial service airports are publicly owned and have at least 2,500 passenger boardings each calendar year. They receive scheduled passenger services and can be further classified into primary and non-primary airports.
Primary Airports
Primary airports are commercial service airports that handle more than 10,000 passenger boardings annually. These can be further subcategorised based on the number of passenger boardings as a fraction of the national total. The categories include non-hub primary, small hub primary, medium hub primary, and large hub primary airports.
Non-primary Airports
Non-primary airports are those that handle between 2,500 and 10,000 passenger boardings each year.
General Aviation Airports
General aviation airports handle fewer than 2,500 scheduled passengers annually and have at least 10 aircraft based at the facility. These airports primarily serve small aircraft operated by individuals or private entities, with little to no commercial airline traffic.
Reliever Airports
Reliever airports are large general aviation airports located in metropolitan areas that help offload small aircraft traffic from hub airports in the region.
Part 139 Airport Classes
The FAA's Part 139 certification process categorises airports into four classes based on the type of air carrier operations served. Class I airports serve large air carrier aircraft with at least 31 passenger seats, while Class II airports serve scheduled operations of small air carrier aircraft and unscheduled operations of large air carrier aircraft. Class III airports are those that are newly certificated, and Class IV airports include those that have maintained an AOC after losing scheduled large air carrier aircraft service.
National, Regional, and Local Airports
General aviation airports can also be classified as national, regional, or local airports. National airports provide access to national and international markets, while regional airports support regional economies by connecting communities to statewide and interstate markets. Local airports offer access to intrastate and regional markets.
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Airport operations
Types of Airports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorizes airports based on their usage and services. The first category is commercial service airports, which are publicly owned and have a minimum of 2,500 passenger boardings annually, with scheduled passenger services. These are further divided into primary and non-primary airports based on the number of passenger boardings.
General aviation airports constitute the second category and make up about 88% of the airports in the NPIAS. These airports are used for a range of purposes, including aeromedical flights, aerial firefighting, law enforcement, and disaster relief. They are divided into four types: national, regional, local, and those connecting communities to the national airport system.
Additionally, there are cargo airports, which may be public or private, that facilitate the arrival and departure of goods transported by air. These airports help reduce traffic at the busiest freight airports.
The operations at an airport involve a multitude of tasks and services to support aircraft, passengers, and cargo. Each airport hires its own ground crew, who are responsible for processing flights, cargo, passengers, and baggage. Ground crew tasks include aircraft marshaling, baggage handling, aircraft fueling, and inspections. Efficient ground handling ensures quick turnaround times for aircraft, which can be as short as 25 minutes.
Airports also generate revenue through landing fees, aircraft parking, and non-aeronautical sources such as retail, car rentals, and advertising. They are major employers and hubs for tourism and other types of transit.
However, airports also face challenges, including environmental impacts such as noise and air pollution, resistance from local residents due to their impact on the countryside and historical sites, and vulnerability to extreme weather events and climate change.
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Airport revenue streams
Airports have traditionally relied on aeronautical revenue, which includes income generated from activities directly linked to air traffic, such as landing fees, aircraft parking charges, and passenger security fees. However, this revenue stream is often influenced by factors beyond the airport's control, such as airline routes and the performance of the aviation industry. Therefore, airports have started to focus on non-aeronautical revenue streams to diversify their income and reduce financial instability.
Non-aeronautical revenue includes income from airport-related services and facilities, such as retail shopping, food and beverage, advertising, car rentals, parking, and real estate leasing. Airports have recognized the importance of providing a diverse range of retail and dining options to attract more passengers and enhance their overall experience. This, in turn, encourages passengers to spend more during their time at the airport.
Advertising is another significant revenue stream for airports. With a constant flow of passengers, airports offer valuable opportunities for businesses to connect with engaged audiences through digital directory screens, terminal advertising, and website advertisements. By understanding passenger movements and preferences using indoor mapping platforms and passenger flow technologies, airports can optimize their advertising efforts and provide a more personalized experience for travellers.
In addition to these revenue streams, airports also generate income from parking fees, rental car services, and ground transportation such as shuttle buses. Implementing user-friendly and contactless payment systems for these services enhances convenience for travellers. Furthermore, introducing eco-friendly transportation options with premium pricing can attract environmentally conscious travellers.
To further diversify their income, airports can explore partnerships with local artisans and businesses to offer unique, locally crafted products in their retail spaces. Additionally, integrating digital marketplace platforms within airport apps allows passengers to pre-order and seamlessly pick up items, enhancing the convenience of duty-free shopping. By embracing technology and data analytics, airports can optimize their revenue management strategies and improve overall profitability.
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Airport impacts and externalities
Airports are a key part of a country's infrastructure, providing vital connections to the rest of the world. They are a significant driver of economic growth, bringing foreign investment, tourism, trade, and employment. However, they also have a range of impacts and externalities that affect the surrounding communities and the environment.
One of the most well-known impacts of airports is the noise pollution they create. Aircraft noise has been a persistent problem for people living near airports, and while there have been improvements in aircraft noise performance, the growth of the aviation market has offset these benefits. The European Commission's recent noise policies have shifted the burden of noise impact from nearby residents to constraints on airport growth. Airports must manage their acoustical capacity to maximize the number of aircraft that can operate within a given noise level.
Airports and aircraft operations also contribute to air pollution and climate change. Emissions released directly into the atmosphere during flights impact air quality and cause global warming, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion. The growth of tourism, a significant contributor to the increase in aviation, further exacerbates these environmental externalities.
The construction, expansion, and operation of airports can lead to both positive and negative externalities in the urban landscape. Airports can influence housing markets, with factors such as noise, pollution, and safety concerns impacting property prices and rents in nearby areas. The introduction of special planning zones, such as Limited Use Areas in Poland, aims to mitigate conflicts between incompatible land uses, such as sensitive land uses like hospitals and schools, and residential areas.
Privatization of airports has become a worldwide trend, with governments seeking to improve efficiency and competitiveness. However, it is crucial to recognize that airports generate externalities beyond their financial performance, including social, health, and environmental consequences. Strong independent regulatory bodies are necessary to oversee pricing, safety, noise mitigation, and emergency plans to ensure that private operators consider the long-term development of the region and not just their profits.
In conclusion, while airports provide numerous economic benefits, it is essential to address the impacts and externalities they create. Sustainable development solutions, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory frameworks are vital to balance the positive and negative consequences of airports on communities and the environment.
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Airport services and facilities
Accessibility and Special Assistance
Salt Lake City International Airport is committed to providing accessible facilities and services for passengers with functional needs or those requiring extra help. This includes the availability of wheelchairs with attendants, accessible restrooms, and assistance from airport personnel. Passengers can easily request assistance by dialling "0" on a paging phone or calling the airport's dedicated phone number. Additionally, the TSA Cares program assists travellers with disabilities through security checkpoints, and a separate program, "Caught Being Consistently Safe," recognises employees who demonstrate exceptional safety practices.
Banking and Currency Services
The airport offers convenient banking and currency services for traveller's convenience. ATMs from US Bank are located in Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Gateway Centre, providing access to various banking networks. Ready Credit cash-to-card kiosks are also available to convert cash into prepaid Master Cards, offering a useful service for travellers who may need immediate access to funds.
Infant Care Facilities
Recognising the needs of travelling families, Salt Lake City International Airport provides dedicated facilities throughout the airport to assist with infant care. This includes spaces designed to attend to the needs of infants and parents, ensuring a more comfortable and stress-free travel experience for families.
Military Lounge
The airport is home to a United Services Organization (USO) lounge, a dedicated space for active military personnel and their families. The USO lounge is conveniently located, offering a comfortable and accessible place to wait for flights, with opening hours from 6 am to 10 pm daily.
Free Wireless Internet
Passengers can stay connected throughout their time at the airport with free wireless internet service. By connecting to the airport's Wi-Fi network and accepting the terms, travellers can access the internet on their devices without any additional cost, enabling them to work, entertain themselves, or stay in touch with loved ones while waiting for their flights.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport is a place for the landing and takeoff of aircraft.
There are several types of airports depending on location, aircraft type, service performed, and provided. Some common types include:
- National airports
- Regional airports
- Local airports
- Commercial service airports
- General aviation airports
In colloquial use, the terms airport and aerodrome are often interchanged. However, the term airport implies a certain stature that other aerodromes may not have achieved. In some jurisdictions, an airport is a legal term reserved for aerodromes certified or licensed by the relevant civil aviation authority.
Airport operations are complex, with a system of aircraft support services, passenger services, and aircraft control services. Airports are major employers and hubs for tourism and transit. They are also vulnerable to extreme weather and climate change.
Airports charge landing and parking fees for aircraft. They also generate revenue through lease agreements, retail sales, rental car operations, parking, and advertising.
