In an effort to share information more efficiently and to take common issues to Washington with a single voice, commercial airports in Texas have developed a statewide association: the Texas Commercial Airports Association, or TCAA.
In a recent press release, Mario Diaz, director of the Houston Airport System and TCAA chairman states, "By coming together as an organization, the passenger airports in Texas can speak through one clear, strong voice. Collectively, we believe we have greater influence than any one of our airports can have individually."
According to the news report, Texas airports with commercial flights serve more than 135 million passengers annually. A news conference held in San Antonio brought a key audience together as it was held in conjunction with the 7th annual Texas Transportation Forum in February.
Several issues of mutual interest to Texas airports led to the formation of the association, including airport funding, development and infrastructure needs, security policy, business initiatives, and operational concerns.
San Antonio International Airport director, Frank Miller, who was named treasurer for the TCAA, spoke with Airport Business recently. He comments, "We have been talking about this for close to a year.
"Obviously there are issues within the state, but there are also a lot of issues that we deal with at the national level in Washington. The underlying thought is that if you can get the airports working together as an association, speaking with one voice, and having the opportunity collectively to meet with elected officials both at the state and the national level — it’s a stronger story, and really helps promote the issues that affect multiple airports here."
According to Miller, TCAA is modeled after other state airport associations, such as those in California, New York, and Florida.
"If you look at other large states such as those — they all recognize the benefit of having an association to deal with common issues.
"Really, the story is to say — this is what is impacting Texas airports. I spent some 20 years in Florida with that state association; we did a lot of work at the state level.
"When I was there, we were also beginning to recognize the need to collectively conduct business on the Hill in Washington. I remember at one time, there were some ten different airports in Florida that were making rounds meeting with elected officials."
Any airport providing commercial service in Texas can be a member. The association will meet quarterly, and it is likely the group will have one meeting that will be an annual event, relates Miller.
With regard to issues of mutual interest among Texas airports, Miller says the passenger facility charge (PFC), which airports can levy on passengers, is still currently at $4.50. "That has not been adjusted in more than ten years," he adds. "We have a need to see that increase. We have to find a better way of getting the message to our elected officials on why that is so important.
"On the non-financial side, and this is something that really affects DFW and Houston as gateway international airports — Customs facilitation and staffing levels.
"At our last meeting, there were some State issues that came up such as one regarding wind towers, and how the towers near an airport could impact navigational systems. Those are the types of issues that we will be looking at.
"It really is a very dynamic type of agenda because our industry is pretty dynamic, and has changed rapidly. We want to be able to respond to those types of issues."
Thanks for your interest!
Brad McAllister
