Accession Number:

ADA399530

Title:

AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE: Unresolved Issues Make It Difficult to Determine the Cost to Serve New Large Aircraft

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

2002-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

27.0

Abstract:

Airbus Industries Airbus, 1 the European manufacturer of large commercial aircraft, plans to introduce New Large Aircraft NLAto U.S. airports in 2006. 2 Airports, such as New Yorks John F. Kennedy International JFK and Los Angeles International, which now provide service to the Boeing 747 B-747, currently the largest commercial aircraft, as well as those that serve as hubs for airlines that might purchase NLA, are likely candidates to serve these new aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration FAA sets the design standards that govern how an airport must be configured to safely serve aircraft with certain wingspans and weight. A B-747 operates under Design Group V standards, while FAA has determined that NLA will operate under Design Group VI standards. Currently, FAA is reviewing the standards for NLA, which were published in 1983, to determine whether they should be revised.

Descriptors:

• *COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
• *AIRPORTS
• EUROPE
• COST ESTIMATES
• DESIGN CRITERIA
• INFRASTRUCTURE

Subject Categories:

• Civilian Aircraft
• Terminal Flight Facilities

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE