We were told the Recovery Act was going to put more Americans to work and improve the quality of our national infrastructure. Now we’re seeing that promise come to fruition, as safety improvements and new construction projects are underway at several major airports. Smaller airports, used mostly by cargo operators and charter jet services, are getting in on the action as well. In all, $1.1 billion have been allocated to airport improvement projects.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the first American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant to Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County Airports in March of last year. Since then, 100% of the funds have been allocated across 362 airport improvement projects. Upgrades are intended to increase safety and help modernize air traffic control and airway facilities, equipment, and systems.
“Airports are critical to our nation’s economy,” said Ray LaHood, Secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation. “Recovery Act dollars are helping to make needed safety enhancements and upgrades at airports all across the country.”
This investment couldn’t come at a better time for charter jet operators, who are seeing a huge spike in demand for chartered flights. The charter jet industry is growing steadily these days, since economic pressures and public scrutiny have forced many big companies to ditch their corporate jets.
Business travelers have turned to charter jet services because they meet significant needs that commercial airlines just can’t fill. Although the expense is greater than say, business class on a commercial flight, the cost can be justified by specific business objectives.
The convenience and flexibility charter jets provide allow passengers to save time. This is a key value for many business travelers, who may need to make several short hops in one day.
Since many charter jet operators are based in smaller, community airports, they are expected to benefit most from upgrades at local and regional airports. The safety improvements will benefit charter jet passengers, too, in the case of frequent flyers, these improvements will make their daily lives more safe.
StimulusWatch.org maintains a complete, sortable list of the projects awarded ARRA grants by the FAA that allows readers to rate, comment on, and discuss specific local projects. You can also search for ARRA grant projects in your area.
