Glossary

14 CFR Part 139. Known informally as Part 139, this regulation addresses airport certification requirements, to include areas such as wildlife management, self-inspections, lighting, markings, and signage, etc.

Above-wing. Includes aircraft services such as catering, cabin cleaning, and passenger boarding.

Air service development. The activities related to the practice of retaining and/or establishing air service to a given airport or community.

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). The Index, equipment, extinguishing agents and personnel required by Part 139-certificated airports.

Airline incentives. Includes fee reductions, fee waivers, or use of airport revenue for acceptable promotional costs to encourage an air carrier to begin or increase service at an airport.

Airline onboarding. The activities conducted by airport staff, typically “behind the scenes,” to ensure a new airline is properly vetted and integrated into the airport operational environment.

Airline Ticket Office (ATO). The office space leased by an airline for “back-office” ticket counter use.

Airport Security Program (ASP). An airport operator’s security program required and approved by the TSA. Airports must follow approved programs and ensure those security measures outlined in the program are complied with by all tenants and users of the Airport.

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). The industry trade association that represents the airport management profession.

Baggage Service Office (BSO). The office space leased by an airline for baggage claim functions, to include passenger filing of lost baggage claims.

Below-wing. Includes aircraft services such as aircraft push-back and towing, baggage handling, lavatory and water services, fueling, as well as ground support equipment (GSE), including tugs, tow bars, stairs, and ground power units.

Common-Use Self-Service (CUSS). A shared kiosk offering airport check-in to passengers without the need for ground staff.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. The virus is very contagious and spreads quickly. As of April 2024, more than one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.

Cost per enplaned passenger (CPEP). An important consideration for airlines, this measurement is the sum of all landing fees, airside usage charges, fuel flowage fees, terminal rents, and other airline payments to airports divided by the number of enplaned passengers.

Criminal History Records Check (CHRC). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) on certain individuals, as described by the Code of Federal Regulations, who perform certain security-sensitive job functions.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations, CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the United States while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. As the United States’ first unified border entity, CBP takes a comprehensive approach to border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into one coordinated and supportive activity.

Extended Airline System Environment (EASE). Produced by Air IT, EASE is a virtual shared-use passenger processing technology solution that enables airlines to share infrastructure while still using their own native applications.

FAA Grant assurances. The federal obligations or assurances that must be complied with as a condition of accepting funds from FAA-administered airport financial assistance programs.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This federal agency is part of the Department of Transportation and is responsible for providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. The FAA consists of Airports, Air Traffic Organization, Audit and Evaluation, Aviation Safety, Chief Counsel, Civil Rights, Commercial Space Transportation, Communications, Finance and Management, Acquisition & Business Services, Financial Services, Information & Technology Services, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Government and Industry Affairs, Human Resource Management, NextGen, Policy, International Affairs and Environment, Security and Hazardous Materials Safety.

Federal Inspection Station (FIS). Also referred to as an international arrivals facility, the FIS is the area that facilitates the arrival, clearance, and departure of international passengers.

Flight Information Display System (FIDS). A FIDS provides flight arrival and departure information to passengers, typically via large screens located throughout the airport terminals. A FIDS can also serve functions of monitoring and controlling flights, schedules, security, and operations throughout the airport.

Ground support equipment (GSE). Equipment used to service aircraft (e.g., tugs, tow bars, stairs, and ground power units).

Information Technology (IT). Refers to the advanced technology that enables maintenance of flight schedules, managing baggage tracking and security systems, and much more. Having a robust IT infrastructure is necessary to ensure an efficient, secure airport.

Jetbridge. Also known as a jetway or passenger boarding bridge, this is an enclosed, movable connector which most commonly extends from an airport terminal to the aircraft to provide a safe interior passageway for passengers to enplane or deplane an aircraft.

Landing fees. Fees assessed to an airline per landing, typically per 1,000 pounds of Certificated Max Gross Landed Weight (CMGLW) to partially recover the costs of providing a safe and secure airfield on which to operate.

Legacy carriers. The largest airlines with full-service and typically global reach, hundreds of aircraft, and tens of thousands of employees.

Low-cost carriers. Airlines with low operating costs and airfares that are lower than those of mainline carriers.

National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Published by the FAA, the NPIAS is a 5-year plan, updated every 2 years, that identifies nearly 3,300 public-use airports and the amounts and types of airport development eligible for federal funding under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) over the next 5 years.

Non-signatory airline. Generally, any airline using an Airport and not a signatory to the “Airline Operating Agreement.” Typically, such an airline is assessed higher landing fees.

OAG. A provider of digital flight information, intelligence, and analytics for airports, airlines, and travel tech companies.

Op (Operations) tempo. The speed or tempo of operations.

Operating agreement. An agreement entered into between the airport and airline specifying terms and conditions for operating at the airport.

Passenger facility charges (PFCs). Allows the collection of PFC charges up to $4.50 for every eligible passenger at commercial airports. Airports use these charges to fund FAA-approved projects that enhance safety, security, or capacity; reduce noise; or increase air carrier competition.

Public Relations (PR). The processes and activities of representing the airport brand in a positive light and generating community goodwill.

Remain Overnight (RON). An aircraft that remains at the airport overnight and may be placed in a hardstand position away from a gate due to gate space constraints.

Safety management system (SMS). A proactive approach to managing safety and mitigating safety risk. The four components of this approach are safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

Security Identification Display Area (SIDA). A portion of the airport, in which security measures specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations are carried out. This area includes the secured area.

Signatory airline. An airline that has executed a Signatory Agreement with an Airport covering the use and occupancy of facilities at the Airport.

SITA. A provider of IT and telecommunication services to the air transport industry.

Slots. A reserved spot for the landing or takeoff of an aircraft to ensure that demand does not exceed capacity at an airport. Slots may be enforced to minimize aircraft noise, as well.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A federal agency charged with maintaining the security of the nation’s transportation system.

Ultra-low-cost carriers. Airlines with the lowest costs and lowest airfares, often assessing extra charges for checked and carry-on luggage, seat selection, and in-flight food and drinks.

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