Springfield Airport Official Helps Lead National Organization

July 11, 2007

A southwest Missouri aviation leader is now on the board of directors of the country’s largest aviation lobbying organization, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Gary A. Cyr, Sr., director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport, took his place on the board during the AAAE’s national meeting in Washington, D.C.

“This appointment means that our airport, along with Joplin, and other airports in the region, now have a chance to influence federal aviation issues that affect every member of the flying public,” says Cyr. “Two of the biggest issues are federal security requirements and federal funding of airport infrastructure.”

On the issue of federal security requirements, Cyr says the AAAE strives to make sure that federal security requirements make sense and are in the best interest of the flying public. “There’s also the issue of unfunded security mandates,” says Cyr. “It’s easy for the federal government to make new, expensive requirements, and then expect airports to pay for them. We’re all in favor of good security, but airports don’t have a blank check to pay for it.”

When it comes to federal funding for airports, the AAAE is currently lobbying the federal government to provide the financial tools needed to fund airport capital improvements—improvements needed because of increasing passenger traffic.

Cyr says there’s growing passenger frustration with delayed flights and poor customer service. “The enormous growth in passenger traffic is pushing airport facilities to the brink,” says Cyr. “And federal funding, provided by user fees, has been capped at the same level since 1998.” The user fees, called passenger facility charges (PFCs), are currently $4.50. Legislation pending in Congress would raise the fee to $7.00. “Increasing PFCs would allow airports to invest in more runways and terminals—helping to reduce congestion and delays,” says Cyr.

Cyr has been with the Springfield-Branson National Airport since 1995. He’s served as director of aviation since 2004. The AAAE was formed in 1928 to represent airport management throughout the country.