US airports – is management outsourcing the answer to improving service quality?

As the debate continues to rage about the efficacy of airport privatisation in the United States, another option appears to be emerging, that of the outsourcing of airport management. Several smaller commercial airports are either going through the procedure at this time, have been, or are considering it. It might not be appropriate to giant hubs but it could well be for 'mom and pop' regional airports that seek both to reduce their costs and enhance their expertise. And while hardly any private US company seems to be interested in investing in airports there are quite a few that are able to offer management options.