Alan D. Bersin

San Diego International Airport plays a vital economic role in the San Diego region. It served 18.3 million air travel passengers in 2007 and has an annual economic impact of $10 billion. On top of that, the airport directly or indirectly accounts for 115,000 regional jobs, or one in 16 in San Diego County.

Meeting Air Travel Needs

Our airport is regularly rated among the country’s top airports in terms of customer service and passenger satisfaction. We meet today’s needs quite well, but we also have to keep an eye on tomorrow’s needs.

In May 2008, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board certified the Final Environmental Impact Report for short-term improvements at the airport. These proposed improvements include 10 new jet gates at Terminal 2, a second level roadway to separate arriving and departing passengers in front of Terminal 2 and additional overnight aircraft parking, taxiway improvements and visitorl parking.

These improvements are designed to enhance travelers’ experience at the airport in the near-term, improving the flow of passengers into the airport and through security, while providing facilities and services to make passenger travel more comfortable.

“Smart Curb” check-in will allow arriving passengers to get their boarding passes before entering the terminal. Expanding the number of security lanes from five to 12 will reduce the amount of time spent in line. And other amenities such as larger waiting areas, new restaurants and shops will make the airport experience more enjoyable, as well as more efficient, for all passengers.

Future Planning

Some ask why we need these improvements. The reality is that they are short-term needs today to accommodate existing passenger levels.

Then there is the issue of long-term demand and how that will best be met at the current location. That is being addressed in a comprehensive analysis under way. A breakthrough alliance of the Airport Authority, city of San Diego and San Diego Association of Governments is leading this effort, called

“Destination Lindbergh: The Ultimate Build-out.” Other key participants include the Port of San Diego, County of San Diego, Metropolitan Transit System, North County Transit District and U.S. Department of Defense.

It is important to note that the Airport Authority is taking a pause in its short-term improvement program because we want to be sure it fits in with the long-term plan. Our commitment is that, while we get ready to construct, we will not break ground until we present our long-term concept in February 2009. If “Destination Lindbergh” suggests mid-course correction in our immediate Terminal 2 Development Plan, we will consider them carefully.

Why Now?

It is not unreasonable to look at the state of the economy and airline industry cutbacks, and wonder why we are even thinking about making airport improvements now.

While uncertainty in the aviation industry is exaserbated by rising fuel costs, future projections for air travel in San Diego remain brighter than you may think. Studies show that demand will rebound. A historic perspective demonstrates that air travel demand recovers and then grows to new levels after downturns, oil shocks and even 9/11.

We also know that San Diego tends to recover faster than other airports and markets, due to a diversified economy, the robust tourism industry, the airport’s role as an “origin and destination” airport rather than a hub airport, and Southwest Airlines’ major presence. Just this year, Southwest has increased its monthly number of San Diego flights, adding destinations like San Francisco and Denver.

In fact, despite recently announced flight reductions, the airport’s total annual seat capacity will increase passengers by more than 80,000 this year and the first seven months of 2008 showed a 4 percent increase compared to the same time last year.

Stay Informed

We will continue to work hard to make San Diego International Airport the most it can be, to best serve the region. As the local population increases, hotel room numbers grow, cruise lines expand their offerings and new companies relocate here, demand for air travel will rise. Short-term improvements will ensure our airport can meet those expectations and continue to be the convenient Downtown airport that will serve our travel needs for many years into the future. Long-term planning will ensure that our children’s expectations will be met as well.

To stay informed about airport improvements, visit sanplan.com.

Alan D. Bersin is chairman of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board.