Number: 98-579 Title: AIRPORT FINANCE: A BRIEF OVERVIEW Authors: Robert S. Kirk, Economics Division Abstract: Airports in the U.S. national system are nearly always public sector enterprises that operate under a city, county, regional, or other charter such as a port authority. Although these airports are public enterprises, they are typically managed as businesses. Most airport operating revenues come from airfield revenues, concession agreements, or rent from leased areas at the airport. For capital development needs airports rely on bonds, federal Airport Improvement Program grants, passenger facility charge revenues, state and local grants, and surplus airport revenue. Federal involvement in airport finance is mostly concerned with airport capital improvements intended to support policies concerning capacity, competition, noise, safety, and the availability of air service nationwide. Pages: 6 Date: Updated June 26, 1998