Impact of Commuter Airlines on Airports

The commuter carriers' key role is the provision of connecting service to hub airports. Aircraft departures at such airports to old destinations remain constant over time. The new departures are to new places such as those served by commuters. Thus, there is a need for airport capacity, both airside and landside, for such carriers. Their passengers are showing that they value their time and that they are willing to pay enough to create the capacity through a combination of aircraft, landing air, and runway improvements. Regulations should facilitate such improvements but not dictate them.