In an encouraging announcement, US President Donald Trump has revealed plans to rebuild America’s airports to make travel a more pleasant experience.

In Chicago, Trump told United Airlines chief executive Oscar Munoz and representatives of Delta, Southwest, JetBlue and airports from around the US, of his plans to revitalise America’s airports.

America led the world in airports and air travel but has paid the price for establishing infrastructure early. Some of its airports are tired and dated. They have been eclipsed by gleaming new facilities in places like Guangzhou and Mumbai.

President and chief executive of Airports Council International – North America, Kevin Burke, told the Chicago Tribune that Trump focused on ways to enhance the travel experience.

At Chicago’s massive O’Hare International Airport, airlines have already agreed to build up to nine new gates to help improve on-time performance. The only downside: the cost (about USD 300 million) is likely to be met through fees added to the cost of plane tickets.

New York LaGuardia Airport is also set to be redesigned and largely rebuilt, at a cost of about USD 4 billion.

Trump reportedly did not disclose exactly how he proposed raising the money for his airport improvement scheme, but it is a good signal and will no doubt be discussed at this year’s IPW travel mart, due to be held this year in Washington DC.

Trump added that he thought the US Federal Aviation Administration would function better if run by a pilot.

|  EGlobal  |  February 13, 2017