Airline-Infrastructure Aid Chorus Grows

"We are committed to finding a long-term solution at Kennedy," said Hauenstein, adding: "Maybe we can get some help from our government on that, with a lot of public works projects on the docket for the next four years." The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the terminals, is currently conducting a $20 million redevelopment study.

Meanwhile, American CEO Gerard Arpey also urged government support for infrastructure upgrades. "I think the airline industry should certainly be at the top of the list of the industries that are deserving of economic stimulus as it relates to infrastructure," he said, according to The Associated Press. "Because we have let the infrastructure in aviation deteriorate, both on the ground and in terms of the air traffic control environment."

"I think we need to be actively engaged in the stimulus discussions," Arpey said. "I would like to think that the airline industry would merit a great deal of attention." Besides the air traffic control system, Arpey mentioned airport runways and control towers, and security enhancements for passenger and cargo facilities.