The below letter, written by Stephen S. Aichele, Esquire, Chairman of Saul Ewing LLP and Co-Chair of the CEO Council for Growth’s Infrastructure Working Group, was sent to CEO Council for Growth members earlier this week. It is in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent approval of the Philadelphia International Airport’s proposed expansion plans.
The CEO Council for Growth serves as the governing board of Select Greater Philadelphia, an affiliate of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and brings together top business executives from the region to set and implement an economic development agenda that creates growth in the region and nurtures collaboration among the many economic development interests.
CEO Council for Growth Members:
Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued its Record of Decision (ROD) approving the Airport’s Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP). Receipt of this final document enables the Airport to proceed with the next steps required to expand and make critically needed improvements that ensure Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is strategically positioned to meet future air service demands and enhance the region’s economic vitality.
Since improvements to the Airport is the CEO Council’s number one infrastructure priority, approval of the ROD is an important milestone in our overall effort to make PHL world-class. As you may be aware, the CEO Council has actively supported this effort and worked with the City, PHL, and federal officials to move the project forward.
The implementation of the CEP will address the significant airfield congestion problems at PHL. As we have discussed at numerous CEO Council meetings, the preferred alternative as selected by the FAA, “Alternative A,” provides for a new runway, which will allow independent simultaneous aircraft operations in all weather conditions, to significantly reduce delays. The CEP also calls for two runway extensions, one of which will provide the necessary runway length to accommodate non-stop, long haul flights to reach around the world. New terminals, new cargo facilities and an automated people mover system are also included in this alternative.
Because increased revenue is vital to the success of the plan, the CEO Council continues its work with Ricondo and Associates on a study to analyze and compare airport non-aviation revenue at several domestic and international airports. The report will identify opportunities and methods by which customer service and non-aviation revenue may be optimized at PHL. The analysis focuses primarily on potential service and revenue generating opportunities from parking operations, concession sales and advertising. A full presentation of the study will be provided at our June 2011 CEO Council meeting.
While this is a major accomplishment we recognize there is much work yet to be done. Rest assured we will continue to work with the various stakeholders to ensure continued progress in a timely manner.
If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Stephen S. Aichele, Esquire, Chairman, Saul Ewing LLP
Co-Chair, CEO Council for Growth Infrastructure Working Group
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