Greg Principato joined ACI-NA as President in July 2005. In this capacity, Principato oversees the leading association of airports and airport-related businesses in North America, which enplane nearly all of the domestic and international airline passenger and cargo traffic on the continent. ACI-NA is the largest of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International.
Principato's involvement in aviation and transportation infrastructure spans more than 25 years. From 1979 to 1986 he worked on transportation issues for two senior members of the United States Senate: J. Bennett Johnson (D - Louisiana) and Joseph R. Biden (D - Delaware). After leaving the Senate, he went to work in the administration of Virginia Gov. Gerald L. Baliles. The Baliles administration was nationally known for a commitment to transportation infrastructure, a commitment that went well beyond roads to include airports and other modes. During that time, Principato worked with Congress on the transfer of Reagan National and Washington Dulles airports from federal control to the control of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, worked to increase international service at Dulles, and also worked with governors from other states on transportation issues through the National Governors' Association.
In 1993, as executive director of the National Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry (National Airline Commission), Principato was responsible for the high profile work of a commission composed of 15 leaders from airlines, airports, manufacturers, general aviation, labor and the financial community. The commission tackled important issues such as air traffic control reform, capacity enhancement, federal funding, international air service rights and foreign investment. Its report was presented to the President Clinton two days before the statutory deadline, and one-third of the commission's budget was returned to the treasury.
In the years since, Principato has worked on a wide variety of aviation issues including the negotiation of a new air service agreement between the United States and Japan; the development of a new, global, standard for aircraft noise; the negotiation of an agreement between (then) US Air and its pilots; the negotiation of an international airline alliance and a host of other issues. In several instances, he coordinated the development of broad-based coalitions. In the case of the U.S. - Japan issue, the coalition had more than 3,000 members including airports from around the country. In the case of the noise standard coalition, there were more than 90 members worldwide, including a number of airports. The Coalition for a Global Standard on Aviation Noise worked closely with Airports Council International (ACI) in Geneva and Washington and participated in two of ACI's Greenport conferences. In each case, Principato coordinated the activity of the coalition, managed its budget, and served as a liaison between and among the coalition's members.
Principato has developed good relationships with officials in the important federal agencies, and on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill. He is well regarded for his abilities and his approach to the issues within the aviation community in Washington, and has also developed a good reputation among aviation interests around the country and beyond our borders.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Principato earned an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Chicago.
Aviation accounts for approximately 3 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and 12 percent of transportation emissions. While airports are responsible for a fraction of that contribution, they recognize the importance of addressing aviation’s contribution to climate change. Airports are taking aggressive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with sources under their control, such as reducing their energy usage, converting to low emission vehicles, and recycling. Airports cannot control the aviation industry’s largest contributor to its carbon footprint - aircraft. Still, airports have worked to identify where they can play a role in helping to reduce aircraft emissions. Airports… Read more
For airports, there is one simple answer to the question “How can government do a more effective job of delivering infrastructure projects”? Increase the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) as proposed in the House FAA Reauthorization Bill (HR 915). This user fee, originally authorized by Congress in 1990, is tied directly to local airport-related projects that 1) preserve or enhance safety, security and capacity of the national air transportation system, 2) reduce noise, or 3) attract new service. The PFC program is a good example of government setting the rules and then getting out of the way to let… Read more
Aviation is a real stimulus success story. Nearly all of the $1.1 billion in airport funds that were included in the stimulus have been allocated. The FAA has an effective and efficient program for investment in airport infrastructure and it has been put to good use. Consider what’s happening at these airports: A $15 million grant provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (WCCA) will allow the airport to open a newly reconstructed runway nearly a year and a half ahead of schedule. The project is expected to create nearly 225 local… Read more
I applaud the bipartisan FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act introduced this week by the Senate Commerce Committee. It’s imperative that Congress pass an FAA Reauthorization bill this year to provide airports and the aviation industry the stability to plan for the future. Chairman Rockefeller, Ranking Member Hutchison, along with Senators Dorgan and DeMint, have put together a much needed proposal to enhance aviation safety and modernize our nation’s air traffic control system by accelerating the implementation of NextGen. The increase in the Airport Improvement Program to $4 billion in 2010 and $4.1 billion in 2011- and a… Read more
I was in Chicago a few weeks ago for our Airport Board and Commissioners Conference, hosted by Commissioner Rosie Andolino and the wonderful staff at the Chicago Department of Aviation. While officially appointed on April 22, Rosie is well known and respected in the airport world, successfully overseeing the O’Hare Modernization Program and the November 2008 opening of the new runway in Chicago. In responding to questions about termination of the program, Rosie indicated that while it was unfortunate, there was hope for a future privatization program at Midway. As for ACI-NA, we have not taken a position on the FAA… Read more
Airports recognize that aviation’s contribution to climate change is an important issue that can only be tackled through the joint cooperation of the entire industry at a global level. While airports are not opposed to the concept of a cap-and-trade system, we do believe it must be global in scope and recognize the industry’s existing accomplishments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A cap-and-trade system, however, must be viewed as only one part of a comprehensive solution that includes other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as airport infrastructure improvements, a modernized air traffic system, and technology to improve aircraft fuel efficiency. … Read more
Airports recognize that aviation’s contribution to climate change is an important issue that can only be tackled through the joint cooperation of the entire industry at a global level. While airports are not opposed to a cap-and-trade system, we do believe it must be global in scope and recognize the industry’s existing accomplishments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A cap-and-trade system, however, must be viewed as only one part of a comprehensive solution that includes other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as airport infrastructure improvements, a modernized air traffic system, and technology to improve aircraft fuel efficiency. Any revenues generated… Read more
Despite $1.67 gasoline, our country seems to be no closer to coming to grips with the need for a real energy policy. Having lower fuel costs is good news for many folks struggling in the recession to make ends meet and who could not afford gas to go to work or to job interviews. But surely, in this country where anything is possible, we can figure out a way to harness the commitment to a new energy policy that was present last summer when gas was $147 a barrel (over $4 a gallon), while ensuring that people who need help getting… Read more
There are several critical issues that Congressman Ray LaHood will face as the new Secretary of Transportation. One of the most important is the immediate need to invest in this country’s outdated transportation infrastructure, including our nation’s airports. Airports play a critical role in ensuring that passengers and cargo move safely and securely to both their domestic and international destinations. In addition, airports play a key role in local economies as they facilitate business investment in communities which can lead to job creation. Unfortunately, without a multi-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, many airports have received only 35 percent of their anticipated… Read more
Airports play an important role in creating jobs through construction and infrastructure and safety improvements. Economic studies show time and time again that airports serve as economic engines for local communities and have a large multiplier affect on job creation. Investments in airport infrastructure are not only vital to the local community, but they are also important to the larger transportation system by providing connectivity to roads, transit, and public transportation. In this way they promote economic activity well into the future. They are the stimulus gift that keeps on giving. As the incoming Obama Administration and Congressional Leaders begin to… Read more
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