Competition Plans, Passenger Facility Charges

The collection of this information is required from one group of entities – the approximately 60 public agencies that control covered airports. The agencies are required to submit this information to obtain the benefit of receiving AIP grants and being approved to collect PFC revenue. In particular, §§40117(k) and 47106(f) specify that no PFC may be approved for a covered airport and no AIP grant may be made for a covered airport unless the airport has submitted a written competition plan in accordance with the statute. This collection asks the public agencies to report on the availability of airport gates and related facilities, leasing and sub-leasing arrangements, gate-use requirements, gate-assignment policy, financial constraints, airport controls over air- and ground-side capacity, and whether the airport intends to build or acquire gates that would be used as common facilities. The DOT/FAA uses information submitted in response to this requirement to carry out the intent of §§ 40117(k) and 47106(f), which is to assure that a covered airport has, and implements, a plan to provide opportunities for competitive access by new entrant air carriers or air carriers seeking to expand. The information allows FAA to assess the competitive environment at airports and provide feedback to the airport on suggested improvements. Airports are interested in this analysis as the FAA occasionally receives requests from airports to review competition plans outside of the required window in order to receive updated analysis on their competitive environments. Once an airport qualifies as covered the collection frequency is as follows: it is required to send its initial competition plan as soon as possible. Upon approval by the FAA of the initial competition plan, the public agency must submit two (2) competition plan updates, in 18-month intervals, while it remains a covered airport. Once an airport has submitted, and the FAA has approved, its initial competition plan and the subsequent two (2) updates, a competition plan is only required if the airport (1) has filed a competitive access report as required by Section 424 of Vision 100, codified as 49 U.S.C. § 47107(s) stating it has denied access to an air carrier for gates or facilities within the last six months; or (2) is executing a new master lease and use agreement, or significantly amending a lease and use agreement, including an amendment due to use of PFC financing of gates. If an airport loses its status as a covered airport, no further competition plan updates are required unless or until the airport becomes covered again. This information is received by FAA and not disseminated further. However, the FAA encourages public agencies to post their submission on their website for public viewing.

The latest form for Competition Plans, Passenger Facility Charges expires 2027-10-31 and can be found here.