“ACI-NA is pleased that the Administration responded to airports’ request to address long wait times for arriving international passengers by requesting additional CBP officer staffing,” said Christopher Bidwell, ACI-NA Vice President of Security and Facilitation. “We also look forward to receiving information on the workforce staffing model that would respond to our long standing request for more specific information about staffing at airports with international air service.”
ACI-NA also commended the Administration for their willingness to invest in technology to enhance the efficiency of passenger facilitation. This is a critical component of a comprehensive strategy to address increasing international traffic.
However, airports are concerned about the proposed increase in customs and immigration user fees paid by air passengers. ACI-NA has requested additional information on the justification for such fee increases, given that air passengers already pay for clearance through three separate use fees.
“ACI-NA continues to oppose the use of reimbursable agreements” said Bidwell. “Giving CBP this authority would present a pay-for-play system for CBP resources across all modes. Since the total number of CBP officers is fixed, those with reimbursable agreements could have a greater opportunity to demand a greater share of CBP staff resources.”
“ACI-NA strongly opposes any action by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to relinquish its responsibility for monitoring passenger exit lanes and require airport operators to perform the function,” emphasized Bidwell. “As TSA, through the Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee (ASIF), collects money from aircraft operators for “Exit Lane Monitors”, the agency is clearly responsible for providing exit lane staffing.”
