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Logan Streamlines Airline Landing-Fee Billing System

Posted on: Monday, 6 February 2006, 21:00 CST

By JENNIFER HELDT POWELL

Logan International Airport unrolled a state-of-the art billing system for landing fees this month that officials say could set a national standard.

It's part of an effort to make Logan easier for airlines to use and more attractive to those carriers who might set up shop there or expand.

The automated billing system relieves airlines of having to report on their own how many and what types of planes they've landed at the airport.

"We see this as a big customer service enhancement," said Flavio Leo, director of aviation planning for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which runs the airport.

Logan officials are always looking to lure airlines. Having a better facility can help, Leo said.

Massport collects about $60 million in landing fees that cover the cost of operating the runways. The money is recouped by charging airlines for each plane they bring in.

Until this month - and at other airports - airlines themselves have reported report on the number of planes landed.

The new system takes advantage of new radar technology installed at Logan, Leo said. It tracks planes and allows Massport to bill airlines automatically.

"What this system will do is to make it more fair and more accurate," he said.

Massport created the system because of requests from airlines. It has been working with them for a year to set it up.

Source: Boston Herald

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