Originally Posted by
blockski
Yes, and as it relates to Dulles, the Airports Authority announced a new lease agreement back in March, to take effect at the end of this year. It's a 15 year lease and includes a capital construction plan, which outlines the planned improvements at IAD.
Right, and that process really slows things down. The airline's growth and fleet plans have to align with the government agency's political situation and the economic environment.
For several years, the local government agencies were occupied with the train line extension to the airport which likely limited the political willingness to proceed with a very expensive airport expansion project. At other times, the airline's economic situation did not allow them to commit to the costs of the projects.
It's really amazing at how many airport improvement and expansion projects are ongoing throughout the country right now. I've been in this business since 1990 and can't remember seeing so many significant projects planned, proceeding, or recently completed before.