Introduction

a) Overview: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), named after Puerto Rico’s first elected governor, is the busiest airport in the Caribbean and the 48th busiest overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. This paper examines the planning and management structure of SJU, delving into its history, regulations, and the legal framework that governs its operations.

Airports and Airport Systems

a) Organization and Administration:

Airports in the United States can be categorized by ownership and administration:

• Municipal: Owned and operated by local governments (cities, counties)
• Commercial: Privately owned and operated for profit
• Federal: Owned and operated by the federal government (primarily military)
• State: Owned and operated by state governments (less common)

b) Historical and Legislative Background:

Historically, most airports were municipally owned. However, in recent decades, there has been a trend towards privatization, with various models implemented.

The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 established the FAA as the federal agency responsible for overseeing the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system. The Airport and Airway Improvement Act (AIA) of 1970 provided funding for airport development and improvements, with a portion allocated to grants for eligible projects.

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport: A Case Study

SJU presents a unique case study in airport ownership and management. Originally owned and operated by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA), a public corporation, the airport underwent a significant change in 2013.

The Puerto Rican government, facing economic challenges, entered into a public-private partnership (PPP) with Aerostar Airport Holdings, a joint venture between Canadian pension fund PSP Investments and Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR). Under this 40-year lease agreement, Aerostar assumed responsibility for the financing, operation, maintenance, and improvement of SJU.

Relevant Laws and Regulations

Several key laws and regulations govern the planning and management of SJU:

• Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs): These regulations, established by the FAA, cover various aspects of airport operations, including safety standards, air traffic control procedures, and passenger security.
• Grant Assurances: When receiving federal grants under the AIA, airports agree to specific assurances, such as maintaining a certain level of public participation in decision-making and ensuring non-discrimination in the use of the airport facilities.
• Public-Private Partnership Agreement: This agreement, specific to SJU, outlines the rights, responsibilities, and revenue-sharing arrangements between the PRPA and Aerostar.
• Local Laws and Regulations: The Puerto Rico Ports Authority and other local government agencies may have additional regulations applicable to SJU.

Airport Operations Management

a) Airfield and Airspace Management:

The FAA is responsible for the overall management of US airspace, including the airspace surrounding SJU. The FAA works with the airport operator to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow. The airfield itself, including runways, taxiways, and other facilities, is managed by Aerostar, which must comply with FAA safety standards.

b) Airport Operations Management under PPP:

The PPP agreement between the PRPA and Aerostar defines the responsibilities for various airport operations. Aerostar is likely responsible for:

• Ground Handling: Contracting with companies to provide services like baggage handling, aircraft fueling, and passenger boarding.
• Terminal Management: Maintaining and operating terminal facilities, including concessions and passenger amenities.
• Maintenance: Ensuring the upkeep of runways, taxiways, and other airfield infrastructure.

c) Airport Terminals and Ground Access:

SJU has several passenger terminals serving domestic and international flights. The PPP agreement likely allows Aerostar to manage these terminals, including:

• Leasing Space to Airlines and Concessions: Airlines lease space at the terminals for their operations, and concessionaires lease space for shops and restaurants.
• Passenger Services: Providing amenities and services for passengers, such as baggage claim, security checkpoints, and information desks.

d) Security:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the federal agency responsible for passenger and baggage screening at US airports. TSA sets the security standards, and SJU security personnel must comply with these regulations. Aerostar may be responsible for providing security personnel and managing the security screening process at the airport.