Airport Public Relations DOs and DON’Ts

Originally published in 2002

Suggestions for improving airport community relations brought up in a National Air Transportation Association convention discussion by attendees and speaker Peter Burgher:

• Hold an open house – emphasize the direct/indirect benefits of the airport
• Attend commission meetings with supporters; the opposition may tend to exaggerate
• Don’t do it alone; get the airport support group to attend commission meetings and be prepared with economic, noise, and other facts
• Don’t stop fighting for the airport, even when it appears the battle has been won • Start campaigning for support well before there is talk of closing the airport
• Try to positively influence big opponents via free lessons, airplane rides, etc.
• Hold a reporter/media day; give everyone a ride and an air tour of the area; hand out Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association’s (AOPA) Glossary of Terms for Reporters
• Hold a grade school kids day
• Find the people the public will listen to and gain their support
• Holda Teachers’ Day; hand out curriculum on lift/drag, etc.; host a paper airplane contest
• Talk to or join the community or county economic development board
• Get to know the Chamber of Commerce
• Refer to curfews as “voluntary quiet hours”; when they are not followed, explain why to the public
• Look to cargo operators for support

Source: Airport Business, 2001