Airport Quotas and Peak Hour Pricing: Analysis of Airport Network Impacts

This report provides an evaluation of the impacts of airport quotas and peak-hour pricing on air traffic congestion and airport system delay. This analysis addresses two issues. First, would a schedule of peak-load pricing and quotas reduce airport system delays. Second, would a schedule of peak-pricing and quotas complement the system improvements provided by the technological features of the UG3RD. It is concluded, as a result of this analysis, that, in theory, peak-hour pricing and quota alternatives would effectively complement the technological features of the UG3RD by relieving aircraft congestion and delay and improving the flow of air traffic between the 25 largest air carrier airports. While there are theoretical advantages to pricing and quota alternatives, there are economic and institutional constraints limiting their implementation on a widespread scale. Included among these constraints are the unresolved issues which might confront the FAA, airport sponsors, and the airlines. (Author) See also Rept. no. FAA-AVP-77-5, AD-A036 773.