Sep. 29--More than 2,000 aviation officials will gather in Kansas City in the next few days to discuss those things that passengers hate: delays, cancellations, air-traffic congestion and security problems.
The officials will be at Bartle Hall for the annual Airports Council International-North America conference and exhibition.
The conference, which begins today and runs through Wednesday, will include a keynote address Monday by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters.
This will be the conference's first appearance in Kansas City.
"This is the premier annual gathering of airport directors," said Eileen Denne, spokeswoman for Airports Council International-North America. "It is the place where they get to take a closer look at what is happening to the industry. It's also a chance for them to network and learn from each other."
The trade organization, based in Washington, D.C., serves as an advocacy group for about 180 governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. Nearly 400 aviation-related businesses also are members.
The organization has stated that to keep pace with increasing passenger and cargo traffic, airports must invest $87.4 billion over the next five years on new runways, terminals and gates.
This week, organization officials testified before Congress and offered recommendations on how to reduce flight delays. They also pledged support for reducing emissions produced by taxiing or idling aircraft.
Almost 90 percent of those attending are from out of town. The conference is expected to have a $4.2 million impact on the local economy, according to the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.
"This gives us an opportunity to showcase Kansas City and our Aviation Department," said the Kansas City Aviation Department director, Mark VanLoh.
Various committees of the organization will meet today and Sunday to discuss issues. After Peters' keynote speech Monday, the rest of the conference will be devoted to educational sessions on topics such as design concepts, customer service, environmental pressures and the impact of congressional action.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Boeing Co. and the Aerospace Industries Association, along with Lisa Stark of ABC News, will speak.
Between the speeches and educational sessions, VanLoh said, he hopes that those attending the conference will take the time to see Kansas City.
"I have told everybody that they will get to eat a lot of steak and barbecue," VanLoh said.
To reach Mike Rice, call 816-234-5903 or send e-mail to [email protected]
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