Mayor Landrieu Named U.S. Dept. Of Transportation’s Advisory Committee Chair For Aviation Consumer Protection

NEW ORLEANS – This week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx appointed Mayor Mitch Landrieu to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection (ACACP). Mayor Landrieu will represent state and local governments on and serve as the Chairman of the Committee. Established by Congress in 2012, ACACP has given consumers a voice within DOT, resulting in more educational information provided on DOT’s website to help consumers understand airline services, requirements that airlines make websites and kiosks at airports accessible for people with disabilities and expansion of the number of airlines that report service quality data such as on-time performance data.

         “Airports are the gateways to cities and communities across our nation and play a significant role in economic development,” said Mayor Landrieu. “In addition, airports are among the largest investments cities and regions make and it is important that consumers be treated fairly by the airline industry so that passengers can make more informed decisions when they fly. I am honored to chair this national Advisory Committee so that we continue to build on President Obama’s commitment to transparency of competition within the airline industry.”

         New Committee members also include David Berg from Airlines for America, Mario Rodriguez from the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Charlie Leocha of Travelers United.

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         To provide the public an opportunity to discuss important consumer issues and help address issues that do not have simple answers such as how to make the airline market more competitive, the Committee will meet twice a year at the DOT’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.  This meeting will be open to the public and comments by members of the public are invited.

         As a part of President Obama’s efforts to promote more competition and protect consumers, the Obama Administration undertook an overhaul of the rules of the road in 2009.

         Today, consumers can easily determine the full fare for a flight, hold a reservation without payment or cancel reservation within 24 hours, get real-time updates from airlines about delayed flights, and feel confident that, if they get bumped from a flight, they will be properly compensated, City reps said. These actions answer the President’s Executive Order that called for more competition that helps consumers, workers, and entrepreneurs, City reps said.

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         Together, the actions announced Thursday, October 20, 2016, will help consumers know how airlines are performing, make sure consumers don’t have to pay for services they don’t receive, and help consumers find the best flight options, City reps said.

 

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

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         Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary commercial airport in the State of Louisiana serving over 81% of all passengers flying into the State. Last year, a record 10.6 million people were served at the Airport. And with the announcement of non-stop service to London Heathrow Airport on British Airways, the Airport now has 16 airlines providing service to 57 non-stop destinations, including six international destinations. This summer, the Airport also announced international service with Condor Airlines that will provide non-stop service to Frankfort Germany.

         Under Mayor Landrieu’s leadership, the Airport completed $300 million in capital improvements in 2012 including more welcoming customer focused interior with a refurbished ticket lobby, expanded concourse, improved baggage claim, remodeled restrooms, updated exterior, new car rental facility and improved retail and restaurant offerings, City reps said. In addition, the Airport launched new customer service initiatives, including a passenger relations program with airport staff and volunteer ambassadors stationed at each concourse to assist passengers, an in-airport TV network providing important programming and information and new flight information stations with flat panel monitors throughout the airport.

         In January, construction began on the near $1 billion North Terminal capital program at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport. A brand new, world-class airport terminal will serve as a crucial economic driver for the New Orleans metropolitan region and provide a lasting impression to visitors due to its modern design and open architectural concept. The North Terminal program will create over 13,000 new construction jobs and significant opportunities for local businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in the region, City reps said. In total, the 760,500 square-foot terminal will feature 2 concourses, a consolidated security checkpoint, in-line baggage screening facilities, adjacent 2,000-car parking garage, and a ground transportation hub. The new North Terminal is scheduled to open fall 2018.

 

 

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