President Joe Biden has pledged that many of the US's largest airports will be improved. The pledge came during a speech at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on Monday, September 12th. The address was given to reaffirm the Biden administration's resolve to improve the state of US airports as a part of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure bill passed last year.

The bill aims to improve airport conditions for travelers and reduce delays by adding enhanced services for passengers throughout the airports. The President cited reports that the US currently has no airports that rank in the top 25 airports in the world. The administration reminded the public that the bill is also anticipated to create thousands of jobs.

Improving airports

The President's pledge came as an abrupt wake-up call to the US aviation industry. During his speech, he returned to the famous example of La Guardia Airport. When Biden was the Vice President, he was famously recorded comparing LaGuardia Airport to airports in Third World countries. Many saw the comment as outlandish at the time. The high delay rates, antiquated technology, and sub-par terminals were cited for this executive reproach.

During his recent speech, he used the airport as an example of how other US airports could change and improve. The airport has received technological advancements, updates to the terminals, and a reduction in flight delays since Biden first reprimanded it. During his speech, the President stated,

"The United States of America, not one airport ranks in the top 25 in the world... It means commerce. It means income. It means security. And we don't even rank in the top 25."

The President warned that America has fallen behind in many aspects, including air transit. This has allowed other nations, including China, to catch up and surpass the US in various ways. The administration's plan to combat this includes funding multiple major US airports in accordance with their needs.

BOS, where the speech was given, will receive $62 million for improvements. This money will fund an expansion to Terminal E, which will include added international gates. It hopes that this will reduce overcrowding in the terminal. It will also improve the baggage claim and add ticket counters.

Adapting industry

The US has historically been one of the most prominent leaders in the Aviation industry. In recent years it has slowly fallen behind many foreign nations. This underlying issue was manifested when pandemic travel recovery arrived. Airlines were left scrambling as demand soared while their fleets did not. Shortages from supplies to flight crews debilitated the airline's capabilities to meet demand. This has not only led to a summer travel season filled with delays, but it has revealed the long-neglected issues of the industry.

Overcrowded terminals, outdated technology, and long wait times are only a few of the commonly found problems in US airports. Biden's recent speech came shortly after the Department of Transportation (DOT) ridiculed industry leaders for delivering sub-par service to their customers, specifically those affected by flight delays and cancelations.

Airlines and airports have responded by blaming the DOT for restricting their capabilities. Airlines claim that they are more than fair with all of their passengers. This is a part of a summer-long dispute between the independent companies and the US government. The industry will likely receive more regulations in an attempt to fix ongoing issues. Regardless, it is likely that the improvements to airport infrastructure will significantly improve the state of air travel in the US.

What do you think of President Biden's statement? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: The Points Guy, The Hill