BACKGROUND 

U.S. airports generate significant economic benefits for their surrounding communities that often do not result in revenues to the airports. Medium and small airports in the United States typically rely on federal funding and conventional revenue models that may no longer be sufficient to support necessary maintenance and expansion, and they need to supplement their incomes. At the same time, the industry is evolving rapidly, creating new opportunities and challenges. The identification and generation of airport revenue streams and financing are essential to maintain fiscal responsibility and realize future growth of the airports and the communities they serve. 

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this research are (1) create a guide and database for U.S.-based medium, small, and non-hub commercial service airports (see Special Note A) to increase and diversify revenue streams from existing and new sources; and (2) provide models for leveraging revenue sources to increase capital financing opportunities. The final deliverables should include case studies about relevant revenue opportunities, successful and unsuccessful, as well as best practices from domestic and international airport industries and from outside the aviation industry.

STATUS: RESEARCH COMPLETE. The final products should be published by 4Q2025.