Airlines and airports are split over whether to raise passenger fees to fund airport improvements, a divide that American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said Tuesday he doesn’t see going away.
«It’s something we’re just not going to agree on,» Parker said at a meeting of airport operators and suppliers. «We’re opposed; we’re going to remain opposed.»
Airports are lobbying federal lawmakers to raise the cap on the so-called passenger facility charge from $4.50 to $8.50.
The fee, which can be applied to four segments per round trip itinerary for a maximum charge of $18, is used to pay for airport construction.
U.S. airports and their industry group, Airports Council International-North America, have said the additional revenue is key to funding $100 billion worth of needed improvements they’ve identified across the country, especially at smaller airports…
