Quick Links
Saturday September 29
BIT Seminar
Three Airports to Test CUPPS Standards
Three U.S. airports next year will embark upon a test of technical standards, which could pave the way for industry adoption of Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) in 2009.
Las Vegas, Orlando and at least one additional airport will test software and equipment with four airlines in live operating environments, explained Samuel G. Ingalls, assistant director of aviation at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, in the Business Information Technology seminar on Saturday in Kansas City. At least three common use vendors will be participating in the test. Each airport will be using a different vendor so that the interoperability can be tested.
Ingalls said that the test results will be incorporated in a technical manual which will be released in the first quarter of 2009. Airports Council International when it meets at its general assembly in November is set to adopt the airport standards, which the three U.S. airports will be testing.
Ingalls has been working with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Air Transport Association (ATA) to write workable, international standards. The IATA-sponsored task force now encompasses 70 organizations with 180 members.
In conjunction with the publication of tech specs in 2009, the group anticipates retaining an independent certification firm to test all equipment and software and this firm will then issue the certification.
While common use is in place around the world, U.S. carriers have been reluctant to adopt common standards. They have, however, been very participative in the CUPPS initiative, Ingalls said.
With all airlines applications able to run on any platform, Ingalls said, the adoption of CUPPS standards should facilitate seamless communication rather than mandate new business practices for the airlines.
The Department of Transportation has taken a renewed interest in CUPPS because a common system would reduce the barrier of entry for a carrier to begin service to a new city, Ingalls noted.
After a presentation by Denver International Airport on its new Flight Information Management System, Thomas Romig, ACI’s manager of safety, IT and cargo, encouraged all airports who are “tinkering with their own little boxes” to share their projects with ACI. These projects have the potential to be applied globally and ACI wants to incorporate the potential technology into global standards and guidelines.
The Denver system went into effect on Aug. 25, said DIA’s Jim Miller. The airport put together the system using plans and software that had been previously written, but not used. It is based on ACI’s XML standards. Frontier Airlines, Miller said, has already adopted the new language, while United, the largest carrier in Denver, is considering it. Miller added that Frontier is ready to take the language and use it in its other airports.
Environmental Affairs Seminar
Committee gets Update on Sustainability Plans
At its seminar on Sept. 29, the ACI-NA Environmental Affairs Committee opened with a welcome from its 2007 Committee Chair, Stewart Dalzell (BOS) and 2007 Committee Vice-Chair Todd Cavender (IND). Presentations followed from Janell Barrilleaux (DIA), on Denver’s Environmental Management System and its certification, and Roger Johnson (LAWA) on Los Angeles’ Sustainability Performance Improvement Management System and its focus on economic performance, social responsibility and environmental objectives.
Later in the meeting, Cheryl Koshuta (PDX) gave an update on the outcomes and future plans from the Sustainability “Steering Group” meeting. During an information sharing session, airport members had a chance to discuss the latest developments at their airports and ask for assistance from the Committee.
On Sept. 30 the Committee will continue its seminar, focusing on other key environmental issues and how they relate to current and upcoming airport growth, such as NEPA, airports’ and airlines’ role in climate protection and noise. The Environmental Protection Agency will also make a presentation on best practices in waste management and recycling.
Legal Affairs Seminar
New ‘Open Skies’ Treaty Creates Opportunities for Airports
A new era begins next March when the new “Open Skies” treaty between the United States and the European Union takes effect. It is era that will be shaped by the creativity and competitiveness of U.S. Airports.
“The marketplace, not regulators, will determine international routes between the U.S. and Europe,” said Robert Cohn, an aviation attorney with Washington law firm of Hogan & Hartson. Cohn and John Byerly, the State Department’s assistant deputy secretary that negotiated the treaty, outlined new growth opportunities for airports during a presentation to a Legal Affairs Seminar in Kansas City on Saturday.
The treaty will permit any U.S. or E.U. carrier to fly from any city on one continent to any city in another, Byerly said. Former European flag carriers, such are Air France, will be free to start a trans-Atlantic flight from any other of the 27 E.U. members. The treaty also opens up London Heathrow to any U.S. carrier and ends the requirement that all U.S. flights to Ireland include a stop at Shannon. The new lack of restrictions could spark an explosion in international travel similar to the growth that followed the deregulation of U.S. domestic flights, Cohn said.
Just as point-to-point routes developed in the U.S. after de-regulation, Cohn sees a number of European carriers, especially the low-fare and all-business airlines, setting up non-stops to secondary U.S. markets. Ryanair has already announced its intent to fly from 23 E.U. cities to U.S. markets outside of the major hubs, he noted.
Airports will need to “think outside of the box” to recruit these international carriers, Cohn said. It is critical that airports learn to speak the language of the airline route planners. It is far better to develop a relationship and understand the needs of the planner than to win a courtesy visit with the airline CEO, Cohn added.
Since airports will be competing with each other for these new flights, Cohn strongly suggested some form of an economic incentive should be part of the package. “However, a $200 ad co-op will not be persuasive to an airline scheduling a $100 million aircraft,” he said.
Cohn, who has represented United Airlines and Delta Air Lines in their successful efforts to win new routes to China, also represents Kansas City International Airport in its air service recruiting efforts.
In addition to obtaining the treaty with the E.U., Byerly noted the U.S. negotiated new routes to China so that it is “almost” an Open Skies agreement and obtained new cargo routes to Japan, which include the right to bypass Tokyo. Next year, the U.S. will begin negotiating new treaties with Brazil and Vietnam.
He noted that the second phase of U.S.-E.U. contract may be more difficult to conclude. The U.S. obtained 95 percent of what it was seeking in the first treaty. In the second, the E.U. will be pushing for a relaxation of airline ownership rules and an end to cabotag restrictions in the U.S. The U.S. will be seeking greater “harmonization” of aviation security rules – something the E.U. has been reluctant to adopt.
Operational & Technical Affairs Seminar
Ops Committee Reviews Proposed Incursion Standards
The Operations and Technical Affairs Seminar on Saturday, Sept. 29, began with a welcome from Committee Chair Dan Malloy (ATL), Vice Chair Doug Mansel(OAK), and ACI-NA Committee Secretary Dick Marchi. The meeting kicked off with an information sharing session, where members shared the hottest developments at their airports and solicited assistance from the committee.
Wes Timmons, Director, FAA Runway Incursion Program, discussed a renewed focus on runway incursions based on the adoption of the ICAO definition and how this change will affect the categorization of incursions. The session concluded with Bob David of the Transportation Research Board reporting on the progress and results of the Airport Cooperative Research Program.
Topics to be explored on Sunday morning, Sept. 30, include case histories of restricted runways and alternative project delivery systems. Afternoon subjects include: providing for passenger assistance during irregular operations, the impact of future security technologies on airport facilities, curb capacity increases and ground access services. The meeting will conclude with airport case studies on critical pavement rehab and information on IPRF research.
KC on the Weekend
Whether you’re a jazz lover or food connoisseur, an art enthusiast or sports nut, Kansas City has something for everyone. The “heart of America,” as it is known, comes to life during the fall.
Fleeting yet glorious crisp autumn days are perfect for events like NASCAR racing at Kansas Speedway, Royals baseball, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, the American Royal Parade (map), Arabian Horse Show, and American Royal BBQ Contest—all happening this week. Breezy days in the high 70s and vividly-colored trees this time of year provide a perfect backdrop for a weekend run or sporting event. Evenings are meant for jamming with friends to the swinging sound of Kansas City jazz or exploring one of the city’s haunted hideouts.
Shopoholics are easily satiated here with retail centers like downtown City Center Square, mid-town’s Crown Center (Hallmark’s international headquarters) and the distinctive Country Club Plaza—home to high-end shops, outdoor cafes, elegant restaurants, art galleries, carriage and boat rides and historic architecture.
Art and culture buffs are dazzled in Kansas City. The area boasts more than 12 theaters, a resident symphony, ballet company, opera and museums. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, and modern art is plentiful in the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. The Nelson’s grounds feature the Kansas City Sculpture Park containing one of the largest collections of Henry Moore sculptures outside England. Kansas City’s flourishing gallery neighborhoods include the Crossroads Arts District, which holds a social art event the first Friday night of every month. And, of course, the sights and sounds of the American Jazz Museum are not to be missed.
Other sizzling attractions include riverboat casinos with live entertainment, twin amusement parks, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks, the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City Royals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football and the downtown revitalization project, which will feature a festival-like entertainment district, new performing arts center and a 20,000-seat sport and event arena.
Writers and artists have long romanticized about this metropolis, now home to about 2 million people. They’ve referred to it as “Paris on the Plains” with its extensive, interlocking system of parks and boulevards, methodically set aside by urban planners in the 1890s. Other visitors nickname it the “City of Fountains” after the 200 fountains that decorate the landscape. Whatever your pleasure, passion or whim, Kansas City is sure to answer--and with a lot of “heart.”
And, for those staying beyond Wednesday night’s Block Party, the “World Series of BBQ”gets underway on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7 a.m. at the American Royal Complex. This BBQ festival, at $10 per adult, runs through Sunday, Oct. 7.
In addition to these many events, ACI-NA has organized three tours of the area:
- Sunday: Kansas City Yesterday and Today on the Steamboat Arabia, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday: Harry Truman’s Independence & Bingham-Waggoner Estate; 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday: A Look Back ~ Liberty Memorial & the Hallmark Visitor’s Center; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For spouses and other family members not attending the conference, two extensive activity calendars are available at www.visitkc.com and www.kansascity.com.
Sat., Sept. 29:
Arabian Horse Show
8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets: $10
1701 American Royal Ct., Kansas City, Mo.
816-931-3330
Tyler’s Perry’s What’s Done in the Dark
Performances at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40.50
Music Hall/Kansas City Convention Center complex
301 West 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
Kansas City Royals v. Cleveland Indians
6:10 p.m.; Tickets start at $7
Kauffman Stadium, 6:10 p.m.
I-435 & I-70, Kansas City, Mo.
1-800-6ROYALS
Kansas City Symphony presents: Garrick Ohlsson plays Chopin
8 p.m.; Tickets start at $30
Lyric Theatre
11th & Central Sts., Kansas City, Mo.
816-471-0400
Rob Scheps Quintet
8:30 p.m.; Tickets: $10
American Jazz Museum, The Blue Room
1616 E 18th St., Kansas City, Mo.
816-474-8463
Sun., Sept. 30:
NASCAR Kansas 400
8 a.m. gates open; 1 p.m. race time. Tickets: $10 to $300
Kansas Speedway
400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, Kan.
913-328-RACE
Arabian Horse Show
8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets: $10
1701 American Royal Ct., Kansas City, Mo.
816-931-3330,
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets: $14.50
Bonner Springs, Kan.
800-373-0357.
30th Annual Heart of America Quilt Festival
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free
Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo.
816-274-8444
Kansas City Royals v. Cleveland Indians
1:10 p.m.; Tickets start at $7
Kauffman Stadium, 6:10 p.m.
I-435 & I-70, Kansas City, Mo.
1-800-6ROYALS
Tyler’s Perry’s What’s Done in the Dark
3 p.m. Tickets start at $40.50
Music Hall/Kansas City Convention Center complex
301 West 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
Kansas City Symphony presents: Garrick Ohlsson plays Chopin
8 p.m.; Tickets start at $30
Lyric Theatre
11th & Central Sts., Kansas City, Mo.
816-471-0400
ACI-NA Guest Tours:
Sunday: Kansas City Yesterday and Today on the Steamboat Arabia
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fee: $83 per person, includes lunch
This narrated excursion presents both the historical and present-day Kansas City. Guests will have the opportunity to see Lewis & Clark Point overlooking the Missouri River, the downtown financial district, Sprint Center and the adjacent Power & Light District, Union Station, Liberty Memorial, Westport – where the California, Santa Fe and Oregon Trails all intersected, the Vietnam Memorial, The Country Club Plaza with its beautiful J.C. Nichols Fountain, plus much more.
Next it’s time for a journey back through time – to 1856 and the Steamboat “Arabia” Museum. Loaded with 200 tons of cargo, the Arabia was making her way up the Missouri River when a large log pierced her hull. Sinking in minutes, she lay entombed for the next 133 years until her remarkable discovery and recovery in 1989. The Arabia Museum allows visitors to witness the remarkable treasure of goods aboard the vessel that were preserved by the river mud through the years. Her cargo included china, jewelry, clothing, tools, firearms, spirits, bottled fruits, boots and shoes, plus hundreds of other items – all still in pristine condition and beautifully displayed.
After the Steamboat Arabia, guests will enter the Freight House District where lunch will be served at Lidia’s Little Italy. Lidia and Joseph Bastianich opened Lidia's Kansas City together with David Wagner, a Kansas City native, in a former railroad house just north of Kansas City's historic Union Station. Designed by acclaimed New York architect David Rockwell, the restaurant evokes the feel of an Italian farmhouse despite its tremendous size. Lidia's Kansas City features a daily tasting of three fresh, homemade pastas, modeled on the popular pasta service at the Bastianich family's Becco in New York.
Monday: Harry Truman’s Independence & Bingham-Waggoner Estate
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$82 per person, includes lunch
Independence, Missouri, is the home of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S Truman. The Truman Library is one of only eight in the U.S. administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Consisting of research archives, there are more than 14 million pages of manuscript material stored here, including five million from the White House files. The museum section of the library focuses on Truman’s career and his administration. Be sure to see the reproduction of the Oval Office as it looked during his presidency.
In addition to visiting the Truman Library, guests will have the opportunity to view not only the Old Independence Square and Courthouse where Harry’s office as county judge in 1933 was located, but also the “Summer White House” of Harry and Bess Truman. It was at this home on June 24, 1950, that Harry was informed South Korea had been invaded.
After the Truman Library, it is a short jaunt over to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Built in 1852, owned by George Caleb Bingham, artist and politician, and later William Waggoner, this 26-room Victorian is a treasure. Beginning in the Carriage House/Gift Shop, tour guides will take you into the 1900s where history comes to life among the original furniture, paintings and decor.
Finally, lunch will be served at the beautiful Kauffman Stadium Club, home of the Kansas City Royals. The Stadium Club's elegant 400-seat dining room features a breathtaking view of the playing field, the 12-story scoreboard, the "Jumbo Tron", and the colorful water spectacular.
Tuesday: A Look Back ~ Liberty Memorial & The Hallmark Visitor’s Center
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$82 per person, Includes lunch
This tour takes guests to the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to World War I. Following the end of the First World War in 1918, the citizens of Kansas City were inspired to build a memorial in honor of those who had served in defense of liberty and our country. Local citizens raised $2.5 million dollars to design and construct the Liberty Memorial, which was formally opened in 1926. On October 28th, 2004, President George W. Bush signed into law legislation that formally designates Liberty Memorial as “America’s National World War I Museum.” This designation firmly establishes the Liberty Memorial Museum as “The Resource for World War I” in the United States.
The Museum features a world-class collection of historical objects and provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the stories of WWI through the eyes of those who lived it. Standing watch over the Liberty Memorial are four carvings high atop the 217-ft. Memorial Tower, the Guardian Spirits that represent the high ideals of honor, courage, patriotism, and sacrifice. The tower elevator takes visitors up to the observation deck for a dramatic view of the Kansas City skyline.
Next it’s off to the Hallmark Visitor’s Center. Get an inside look at Hallmark’s story – from humble beginnings in 1910 with founder "Mr. J.C." Hall, to the creation of the world-famous Hallmark greeting cards and Keepsake Ornaments. Interactive displays and fascinating exhibits make the tour fun for everyone.
Sunday’s Committee Meetings
Sunday is the meeting day for a number of committees, subcommittees and steering groups.
This year the Human Resources subcommittee will have its inaugural meeting since it was formed over the summer.
Likewise, the Business Diversity, Finance & Administration, Insurance & Risk, Business & Commercial Management will review their new committee structures as each one becomes a stand-alone committee apart from Economic Affairs.
All ACI-NA committee meetings are open to all members.
Starting times/Room locations:
- 9 a.m. -- Commissioners Steering Group, Room 3501E
- 9 a.m. -- Business Diversity Subcommittee, Room 3501C
- 9 a.m. -- Joint International Air Service Program & Facilitation Working Group, Room 3501B
- 10 a.m. -- Marketing & Communications Steering Group, Room 3501A
- 10 a.m. -- Commissioners Business Meeting, Room 3501E
- 11 a.m. -- Finance & Administration Subcommittee, Room 3501H
- 11 a.m. -- Insurance & Risk Management Subcommittee, Room 3501G
- 1:30 p.m. -- Air Cargo Subcommittee, Room 3501C
- 1:30 p.m. -- Business & Commercial Management Subcommittee, Room 3501G
- 2 p.m. -- Human Resources Subcommittee, Room 3501B
- 2:30 p.m. -- Small Airports Committee, Room 3501H
- 3:15 p.m. -- Business Information Technologies Steering Group, Room 2504A
- 3:30 p.m. -- Economic Affairs Committee, Room, Room 3501D
Conference Highlights
Mary E. Peters, the U.S. transportation secretary, opens the 16th Annual Conference and Exhibition with an address to the entire membership. Peters is marking her first anniversary in the post.
The general session begins at 10:15 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom on the second floor of the Kansas City Convention Center.
There will be two educational concurrent sessions held at 3:15 p.m. on Monday.
- In Room 3501A, Lester Robinson, the CEO of Wayne County Airport Authority, will moderate a discussion on the Future Design Concepts.
- Next door, in Room 3501E, Steve Grossman, Oakland’s aviation director, will moderate a discussion on employee security screening.
The concurrent rooms for the conference are across the sky bridge from the Exhibition Hall.
On Tuesday, the second general session will be devoted to obtaining and then maintaining extraordinary customer service. Executives from Marriott, Avis and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will explain how each organization provides a high-level of customer service. This session gets underway at 9 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom.
There are four concurrent educational sessions scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
- At 1:45 p.m., Mark Reis, the Seattle-Tacoma aviation director, will moderate a session in Room 3501A on Sustainability and the Bottom Line.
- Also at 1:45 p.m., Louisville’s Skip Miller will moderate a presentation in Room 3501E of future aviation systems around the world.
- At 3:15 p.m. in Room 3501A, Jeff Hamiel, the executive director of Minneapolis-St. Paul, will moderate a discussion of the environmental pressures facing the aviation industry.
- In the second 3:15 p.m. session, Ben DeCosta, general manager of Atlanta’s department of aviation, will moderate a discussion in Room 3501E of the media and their portrayal of airports. ABC News’ Lisa Stark and Don Philips, of the International Herald Tribune, will be featured.
On Wednesday, there will be a series of briefings in the Grand Ballroom.
- At 8:30 a.m., the ACI-NA Government Affairs team will provide an update on FAA reauthorization and other pending legislation.
- At 10:30 a.m., a team from the FAA will brief the members on a variety of issues facing the agency – from the agency’s perspective.
- At 3 p.m., a TSA executive will conduct a briefing on current security issues.
Exhibit Hall
There are 125 exhibitors in more than 200 booths in Hall D, the third floor of the Kansas City Convention Center. The hall opens Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and it will be open daily through Tuesday evening.
Per ACI-NA tradition, the Exhibition Hall is open only at meal times and when the conference’s educational and business activities are not in-session.
The on-site program, which will distributed at the registration desk, contains a list of exhibitors and the Exhibition Hall’s floor plan. The floor plan is also available on-line.
Exhibition Hall Schedule
Sunday, Sept. 30
6 p.m. – Exhibition Hall ribbon cutting and opening
6 - 8 p.m. – Exhibition Hall Open: Evening reception
Monday, Oct.1
7:30 - 10 am – Exhibition Hall Open: Continental breakfast available
Noon- 3 p.m. – Exhibition Hall Open: Buffet luncheon available
5 - 6:30 p.m. – Exhibition Hall Open: Evening reception
Tuesday, Oct. 2
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Exhibition Hall Open: Buffet luncheon available, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
5 - 7 p.m. – Exhibition Hall Open: Evening reception
What People are Saying.
Aviation Week's Podcast interview with ACI-NA President Greg Principato
Did you know
Kansas City Barbecue
Barbecue gained popularity in Kansas City in the 1920s and hasn’t slowed down since. The secret to Kansas City-style barbecue is that it’s slow smoked for up to 18 hours, usually over hickory. Today, the city’s signature food is served up at more than 100 barbecue establishments, each boasting its personal house specialty.
Jazz
From the roaring ‘20s to the early ‘40s, jazz reigned in Kansas City. This rich jazz legacy flourished during Prohibition when political boss Tom Pendergast allowed alcohol to flow freely in Kansas City. Today, live jazz can be heard regularly at more than 20 area nightclubs including the Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill, the city’s oldest continuously operating jazz club.
Block Party Info
The 16th Annual Conference and Exhibition will close Wednesday in true Kansas City style with lots of jazz and barbeque. The Kansas City Aviation Department will host a block party in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. This is the place where jazz masters such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Big Joe Turner, and hundreds of others defined the sounds of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The American Jazz Museum and The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum are part of this complex and both will be open as part of the block party festivities.
Dinner, entertainment and fireworks are sponsored by KCAD. Desserts are sponsored by Boston Logan International Airport.
Grand Marquis, Angela Hagenbach and The Alaadeen Trio will supply live entertainment on three stages.
2007 Sponsors
