FAA Looks to Private Capital for Airport Projects

The FAA is bringing airport executives, airlines, operators and investment firms together Tuesday to examine expanded use of private capital for airport development, particularly at small and medium-hub airports.

Official response and confirmed impact

The event agenda includes discussions with airport sponsors, airlines and investors from BlackRock, Carlyle, Apollo, Goldman Sachs and other firms.

Traditional federal funding remains a major source of airport capital.

Incident under investigation

The daylong FAA event in Washington is intended to examine funding models and the regulatory limits surrounding private investment.

“The event will convene airport executives, air carriers, operators, investment firms, industry groups, and regulatory leaders to examine how private capital can supplement traditional funding, clarify regulatory/policy boundaries, and address infrastructure needs—particularly for small and medium-hub airports,” the FAA said.

FAA officials will also address existing airport funding programs and the regulatory requirements that apply when private money is used for airport development.

The FAA awarded nearly $615 million through the Airport Improvement Program in August for runway, taxiway, terminal and other projects at airports around the country, including numerous GA facilities.

That funding round included projects at more than 100 airports nationwide, according to FAA grants.