RCED-99-37 Aviation Competition: Effects on Consumers from Domestic Airline Alliances Vary

The airline industry has been undergoing changes even prior to the events of Sept. 11, 2002, including service at small community airports. This report: (1) describes the overall level of air service at the nation's small communities in 2000 and the main factors that contributed to that service level; (2) examines how the nature and extent of air service changed among the nation's small communities in 2001, including a specific accounting for how service changed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks; and (3) identifies key factors that have influenced these changes in air service. Charts, tables and maps. Also includes a 23-page GAO report, "Aviation Finance: Distribution of Airport Grant Funds Complied with Statutory Requirements" (April 2002).

In an effort to increase airport efficiency in moving passengers and cargo while bolstering the economies of regions surrounding airports, some domestic and international airport owners and operators, government officials, and business owners are exploring opportunities to strategically develop airports and the regions around them. These stakeholders view airports as a central piece of their development efforts, believing that businesses in close proximity to an airport can use that proximity as a marketing tool. For businesses that seek to satisfy consumer demand for timely delivery of goods and services, this close proximity can be an element of their business plans. Some efforts are under way in the United States to promote development at airports and in the regions around them. This book describes the factors considered and actions taken by airport operators, government officials, developers, and others to facilitate airport-centric development.