Written Assignment 2: Operating Methodologies
Research the different types of airport ownership, management, and operating processes. Analyze the similarities and differences, and draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of each method.
In a written analysis of 750 to 825 words (3 pages), compare your assigned airport The airport manager has assigned you to design and prepare a written document that includes illustrative PowerPoint slides. The document should be 750 to 825 words in length (Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)) with two other airports (in the United States) of similar size and type that have different ownership structures and operating methodologies. For each of the two airports:
- Describe the characteristics and operating methodology of each airport.
- Provide an analysis of the management and operational differences between those two airports and your assigned airport.
- Explain which method you believe is most appropriate to use at your assigned airport (even if that is not the method currently being used at your airport). Cite a rationale based on the characteristics of your airport.
- The primary thrust of this assignment is for you to analyze the types of airport management and operation and to draw conclusions about their relative effectiveness.
Written Assignment 2: Operating Methodologies
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Written Assignment 2: Operating Methodologies
Even though the U.S. government controls airlines operations, entrants are inevitable as aviation companies strive to fulfill customer anticipations. According to Richmond International Airport (2022), intense competition emerged after the declaration of deregulation in 1978. As a result, airlines introduced novel strategies to manage competitive forces, for instance, lowering fares and improving the quality of services. While the government’s regulation eradicated unhealthy practices, the introduction of the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) revolutionized the airline industry as it established a competitive equilibrium. The protocols influenced not only the US but also the European market. Managed and owned by the Peninsula Airport Commission, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is a crucial transportation infrastructure in Virginia (Airport-Data, 2022). However, the Greater Rochester International Airport fulfills aviation and transportation objectives in New York City. Likewise, Richmond International Airport facilitates air transportation services in central Virginia. Since the airports have distinctive strategic management approaches, operating methodologies determine administrative efficiency and profitability.
The construction of Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) started after the Second World War. Located in Newport News, the facility facilitates interstate services accessibility including entertainment joints, business enterprises, and recreational amenities (AirNav, 2022). Peninsula Airport Commission owns and runs the airport since its inception in 1946. Besides Piedmont carrier, American, AirTran, and Delta airlines offer daily transportation services at the airport, thus, it connects Virginia to Atlanta, Charlotte, and Philadelphia (Airport-Data, 2022). However, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport faces competition from neighboring facilities such as Richmond International Airport, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, and Norfolk International Airport (AirNav, 2022). Despite the market forces, PHF management emphasizes quality service delivery to the existing and potential customers. Therefore, the facility offers convenient flights to fulfill the existing market anticipations.
Richmond International Airport (RIC) provides transportation services in Sandston, Virginia. Unlike Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport and Greater Rochester International Airport, the facility was established in 1975 through a joint civil-military partnership project (Richmond International Airport, 2022). Even though Richmond and Williamsburg International Airports are situated in Virginia, the former serves more passengers as it ranks the third busiest airport in the United States (AirNav, 2021). While Eastern airlines pioneered scheduled passenger flights at RIC, six other carriers currently offer transportation services, thus, they link the airport to top destinations such as Washington D.C., New York, and Chicago (Richmond International Airport, 2022). Besides transportation services, RIC enhances regional security since it is a base for Virginia Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves. The airport’s management comprises civilians and military personnel. For this reason, RIC’s efficient operations attract local investors and international customers.
Greater Rochester International Airport is another public-owned transportation facility in New York. Established in 1948, the airport is managed and owned by Monroe County and it hosts the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion (Greater Rochester International Airport, 2022). Unlike RIC and PHF, Greater Rochester International Airport expands rapidly due to the growing city population. The presence of transportation industries, banks, manufacturing firms, health facilities, and institutions of higher learning increases the demand for air transportation services in the city of Rochester (Greater Rochester International Airport, 2022). The dominant carriers present in the facility include American, Piedmont, People Express, Continental, and Allegheny Airlines. While the board of management decisions regulates RIC and PHF operations, county legislators control Greater Rochester International Airport administrative and development strategies through lawmaking (Greater Rochester International Airport, 2022). Therefore, the consensual approach accelerates the airport’s growth and development.
Even though Richmond and Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is located in Virginia, the two facilities have different management and operational methodologies. On the other hand, Monroe County controls operations and management practices for Greater Rochester International Airport (Greater Rochester International Airport, 2022). PHF is owned and run by the Peninsula Airport Commission whereas RIC is managed through a joint civil-military partnership. Although PHF source its marketing finances from James City County, Richmond International Airport generates more profit and uses a portion of it to conduct the promotion and attract new investors (Richmond International Airport, 2022). For that reason, I believe a civil-military management approach is appropriate to run airport operations. The strategy promotes not only efficiency but also accountability. For instance, RIC services attract more customers locally and across the globe due to the airport’s operations efficiency. Richmond International Airport management rectifies administrative loopholes to ensure customers get reliable services at affordable rates. Besides promoting infrastructural development, the civil-military management approach safeguards a competitive edge as it guarantees effective decision-making practices.
Overall, airport operations affect the financial and safety performance of states. While the facilities offer transportation services, the management structure and operations methodologies determine their profitability. Moreover, operational efficiency influences customer preferences. The 1978 deregulation prompted the introduction of LLC, thus, it revolutionized flight operations as airlines struggled to regain lost customers. Even though Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport and Richmond International Airport are located in Virginia, they have dissimilar administrative structures. Peninsula Airport Commission runs PHF activities whereas a joint civil-military organization manages RIC. On the other hand, Monroe County owns and controls the Greater Rochester International Airport operations through legislation. In addition to existing competitors, entrants affect aviation industry trends and airport operations. Since the U.S. government avails guidelines to regulate airline industries, airport administrations should embrace efficient operational methodologies to survive competitive market pressure.
References
AirNav. (2021). Richmond International Airport. https://www.airnav.com/airport/KRIC
AirNav. (2022). Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. http://www.airnav.com/airport/kphf
Airport-Data. (2022). Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) Information. https://www.airport-data.com/airport/PHF/#operation
Greater Rochester International Airport. (2022). Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. https://rocairport.com/
Richmond International Airport. (2022). Airport Information. https://flyrichmond.com/airport-information/