 People have asked me, “Lester, why can’t we have cheap or even free parking at the airport?”
That would be nice; however the airport authority is obligated by lease agreements with the airlines, FAA grant assurances and Public Act 90 to use all reasonable means to generate revenue to support the operation and maintenance of the airport.
No general tax money goes to the airport. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is for the most part a user-supported facility. Revenue generated from gift shops, restaurants, rental cars, advertising, vending machines, rents, leases and parking does not cover the entire cost. The balance of the revenue comes from the airlines. If their costs become too expensive, they start looking to fly from other airports. When your airport suffers the loss of air service, competition between airlines is reduced and the air fares we all pay increase.
Bond obligations for major capital projects are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the signatory airlines, not the airport. Even the Federal grants airports receive for airfield improvements come from the Aviation Trust Fund which comes from a surcharge on all airline tickets sold. Thus, airline customers are paying for infrastructure, such as air traffic control towers and equipment, runways, taxiways and safety improvements.
When you park on-airport, buy a cup of coffee or purchase a magazine here, the proceeds help to defray the cost of operating and maintaining this region’s most important air transportation resource: Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
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