LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport
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This study concentrates on LaGuardia Airport. It is concerned with the history of the airport, the ownership, and major airport systems. This study also investigates the roles of the airport to the community of NY City and Parts of NJ City. LGA is a unique asset owned by New York. In the early 1940s, the airline had only one operational terminal. The terminal has been changing names from the days of the construction. Various improvement initiatives are underway such as the redesign of the airport expected to transform it into a unified airport that consists of better transportation access, more taxiways, air train as well as best-in-class passenger amenities. It is, therefore, necessary for the community to support such future improvements since it is a valuable and a vital facility to the community. Even though the airport faces challenges, it is still important to the society. LGA requires collective support develop to its expectation.
As from 1947, LaGuardia ownership and activities has been under “The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey” under lease with NY City. The ports authority ranked it among the 20 busiest airports in the USA. The Airport premises set on 680 hectares of land. LaGuardia passenger traffic grows annually; by 2015, the airport recorded about 31.4 million passengers. The growth in 2015 marked a 14% increase when compared to 2014 records. The airport began operation with only four runways and one Terminal.

LGA attracts millions of clients every year. These clients use the services of the airport by traveling and transporting cargo. Today the airport is a major contributor to New York economy (Humphreys and Ison, 2005).
History of LaGuardia Airport
LGA airport opened officially in 1939 and began full operation. The current premise occupied by LaGuardia used to be the old Gala, Park site for amusements. The airport acquired the assumption at cost price of $40, 000,000 (forty million dollars) (“General aviation and community development,” 1977).
In the early 1940s, the airline had only one operational terminal. The terminal has been changing names from the days of the construction. LGA originally named it Overseas Terminal, later they called it Marine Air Terminal, and lately known as Terminal A. Terminal has served LGA since construction thus making the terminal building a landmark. By 1995, the terminal building became a historic landmark in the country (My Air Nav.org, 2016). The airport operated on one terminal until 1964 when the management officially opened Terminal B for operation under the original- name The Central Terminal. The expansion continued as the airport also opened two other terminals (Terminal C in 1983 and Terminal D in 1992).
Since its construction, LGA has attracted millions of clients who utilize the services of the airport either as passengers or by transporting cargo. Today the airport is a major contributor to New York economy.
Ownership
As from 1947, LaGuardia ownership and operations has been under “The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey” under lease with NY City. LaGuardia Airport facility and premises occupy 680 hectares. The port authority ensures proper management of the airport. The authority also ensures safe operation in the airport by employing the airport operational rules and regulations (My Air Nav.org, 2016).
Management staff
LGA has efficient officers that operate within the airport premises and those operating away from the premises. The team’s departments include the FBO and pilots.
The fixed based operators (FBOs) are part of the LaGuardia airport and the help facilitate smooth running of airport’s operations. These staffs have the mandate to operate at the airport and provide various aeronautical services such as working at the hangar, fueling the aircraft and parking of the aircraft. They also deal with aircraft maintenance and issuing some flight instructions. One of the operators includes the Shelter. Shelters provide services such as; Complementary interior cleaning of the plane, Catering services, Ground support and Fueling at the terminals (Humphreys and Ison, 2005).
Air traffic control is also essential to an airport since they assist in navigation and controlling the airspace. In LaGuardia airport, they operate from the LaGuardia control tower. The ground control operations consist of radar systems by which runways, taxiways, and gates for taking off aircraft are displayed (My Air Nav.org, 2016).
Cargo operation also takes place with some organizations facilitating these processes. LaGuardia’s cargo facility is managed by; US Airways cargo, Airlines Cargo, Delta Airlines Cargo and much more.
Airside Operations
LGA airport has two active runways each of 7000 FT plus four terminal buildings. Terminal buildings accommodate seventy-two aircraft gates. The two main runways (13/31 and 04/22) at LGA airfield have centerline marks. The two active runways have shoulder sketches and different holding position markings for landing ranges. My Air Nav.org (2016) suggests that the two main runways centerlines have a yellow line, which provides a visual sign for maneuvering an assigned way.

Runway H1 for KLGA
The runway has dimensions of 18 by 18-square meters. The track surfaces are in excellent condition. The markings are also recommendable. However, the runway has no approach light or the end identifiers. The track also requires a centerline identifiers and a touchdown lighting system. Primarily, edge lines for tracks will indicate the range, not for use by an aircraft (My Air Nav.org, 2016).
Noise is one of the major environmental hazards in an airport, and this issue is evident in LaGuardia airport. Many strategic measures have been taken to minimize the noise in the airport. The source of noise is mainly from the aircraft engine and other aircraft operations such as machinery. One of the organizations concerned with noise reduction is the “Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.”
The airport has suggested the initiatives below to control noise
LGA created a new noise office of dedicated staffs who work to help noise reduction success. The airport authority has introduced a portal system for monitoring flight noise. This system is referred to as WebTrak. LGA staff use this gadget in collection of data. Collected information gets to the Noise Control Office for control measures. The office reviews and responds the complaint they receive accordingly.
The management has also established airport community round tables, which also work towards reducing noise problems. Besides the LGA, the authority has expanded sound monitoring program. These programs are stationed in the permanent noise monitoring terminals where operators record audio data to be addressed by the relevant agencies. LGA management also updates and improves the sound monitoring system
Terminal operations
LGA has four terminals
Terminal A- was originally called The Marine Air Terminal during early years of the airport operation. It is the airport’s initial terminal for oversea flights. Shelter conducts their services in this terminal.
Terminal B- This terminal started operating under the name ‘The Central Terminal Building. Terminal B serves the majority of LGA airlines. This terminal is six blocks high. It also consists of a four-storey section (National Business Aviation Associations, 2016).
Terminal C- This terminal occupies the upper gates and other American Airlines.
Terminal D- This fourth was mainly designed to host two jets Boeing 757 and 767.
Various airlines operate in LaGuardia airport, and each provides different services depending on locations and other factors. Some of these airlines include; WestJet Virgin America, Southwest Airline, JetBlue Airways, Delta Connection, American Airlines Shuttle and Air Canada.

Landside Operations
Due to the location of the airport, there have been several problems in the transportation network. The management plans to eradicate the issue through the redevelopment of the airport. Transportation to the airport is easily accessible using public transport to the airport. Accessing and leaving the airport is possible since public transportation is readily available and diverse. It includes the use of New York buses, which provide transport to the airport, and the payment is by use of a Metro card or exact change in coins. The coaches also lead one to the subways whereby transportation by train take place (National Business Aviation Associations, 2016).
The location of the airport makes the access to the airport a struggle to some extent due to airport access road interaction with the other main roads, which may bring about traffic congestion. Transportation by taxi is also available. The taxis used are metered, and costs depend on the taxi services offered (Roh, 2013). The New York Taxi Commission regulates the operations of taxis and limousines in the airport. They are located at all airport terminal buildings. Commonly, all vehicles that enter the airport to pick up and drop off passengers temporarily stop on the La Guardia Airport’s curbs. There are a variety of vehicle services offered depending on the customer’s choice and luggage they have; for example, for the heavy cargo; the heavy vehicle may be required which the airport provides.
Parking services also available on a daily basis and there are rates for parking depending on the parking service offered. Clients can pay parking fee with either cash or credit cards. One can also access premium reserved parking through specified protocols that should be communicated upon arranging with the necessary airport agencies (Roh, 2013). There is also the availability of car rental services whereby the customer is transported by a shuttle vehicle free towards Terminal A. From the Terminal, the customers get to rent a car of their choice, and the prices may vary depending on the motor vehicle type and services offered by the agencies.
Roles of the Airport to the Community
Economics Roles
LGA is amongst the chief economic engines in New York and sections of New Jersey. The airport contributes about $15.6 Billion in New York (La Guardia, 2016). The airport is a registered taxpayer that funds the economic activities in New York.
The airport has created direct and indirect employment. LaGuardia data chart of 2015 indicates that the airport employed over 11,000 citizens. Furthermore, LGA creates about 116, 000 jobs in the USA. According to La Guardia (2016), airport spends over $5.7 billion per year on salary and wages. LaGuardia airport also facilitates the growth of other businesses such as the taxi and other transport companies that rely on airport’s passengers. The hotels and restaurant also depend on airport clients to make profits. LGA provides the fastest transport means for traders’ goods. Faster transportation reduces chances of perishing goods (Le, et al. 2008)
Social Roles
LaGuardia airport operates for twenty-four hours every day. The airport securities extend to the surrounding. As LGA management ensures passengers’ safety, the community also enjoys the benefits of tight security. Through transport, the airport facilitates national and international integration. Air transport facilitates access to remote areas, which encourages the movement of investors and further promotes development. LGA airport supports education and the value of training through the facilitation of research and providing a forum for practical studies for the aviation students and schools (Ch=9 ECONOMIC, 2016).
Political Roles
The United States armed forces may use LaGuardia airport as a landing base during wars. The landing spaces and military jets in the airport contribute to the political might of a country.
LaGuardia supports the government through taxes. LaGuardia airport taxes figures are sufficient to finance major projects in New York City (Yuan and Ching, 2010). The airport is among the largest enterprises in New York that maintain the country economic stability. Taxes are essential for the state and government.
Besides, the airport facilitates administrative patrol in the city. The police patrol that uses helicopters may use LaGuardia landing space. The airport also prevents entry of weapons in the country (Scholz & von Cossel, 2011). The government relies on airport securities to prevent an entry of terrorists and illegal migration in the country. The government of USA has also empowered the airport guards to employ legal procedures in deporting illegal.
Capacity Status
LaGuardia has space for taxi tracks and parking space for vehicles the parking space accommodates even the vehicles that stay for long on the parking period exceeding 48 hours while the owners are away. Currently, it is not easy to speculate the active taxiways since they Airport keep on closing some taxiways and more tracks are under construction (National Business Aviation Associations, 2016).
There have been constant complaints from passengers concerning LaGuardia airport and from most of them, none is impressed by the infrastructure and services offered by the airport. Some of the complaints include; inadequate sitting spaces, the presence of dust in the buildings, there is congestion among passengers in various rooms due to small building sizes, and delays are notable in the airport.
Various strategies are underway to improve their environmental position in their community and the revenue generating advancements. The airport is also undertaking new developments to ensure community-friendly airport facilities (Roh, 2013). For example, the manufacturers develop and produce small airplanes that have fuel-efficient engines to minimize the level of air and noise pollution. LaGuardia Airport has transformed into a unique airport with one primary terminal. Besides, there are advanced transportation with classy passenger amenities and a future air train.
Conclusion
LGA airport is accessible to most of its users. Apart from other facilities, the taxiway and the runways are currently congested. The plan the airport has for increasing the tracks may be sufficient for the future needs (Airport & FBO Info, 2016). Luggage transportation is becoming a concern the airport might need to consider methods of reaching the passenger’s heavy luggage without necessarily making them offload to the airport. In their construction plans, LGA should consider building more parking lots in case of any future development projects or also multi-story parking structure; this would help increase the parking spaces and efficiency in the airport have ground systems (Airport & FBO Info, 2016). Expansion of the parking spaces would also contribute to improving the value of the parking services offered by LaGuardia Airport
LGA airport is among the most criticized airports in the world. The airport capacity cannot meet the current demand and the future expectations. For instance, LGA has been a victim of traffic congestion. Ideally, space is not sufficient for expansion. The management remarks that there is not enough room for constructing another major runway or taxiways. Few passengers also complain of long waiting hours and traffic at passport verification department. The airport does not provide luggage storage facilities for its clients.
Instrument and visual landing systems in the two frequently used runways are sufficient for current needs. The gadgets are visible and fitted with required lighting system. However, in future, the administrations should invest in technology that increases visibility in the event of poor weather. The visibility should be improved for the pilot to see clearly even in the far distance in emergency scenarios. The airport should also invest in self-inspection considering the airport has recorded many accidents and incidents in the past. The airfield must invest in technology to update with compelling human needs. The airport is still renovating and reconstructing its assets. Therefore, speculation on meeting the future needs is an unsettling idea.
LaGuardia places initiatives to improve their environmental position and the revenue generating advancements in the society. Such efforts will minimize congestion and correct of various environmental concerns. The airport is still renovating and reconstructing its assets. Therefore, speculation on meeting the future needs is an unsettling idea.
References
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National Business Aviation Associations, (2016). LaGuardia Taxiway Closure Linked to New Terminal Construction Projects | LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – New York, | NBAA – National Business Aviation Associations. Nbaa.org. Retrieved 2 November 2016, from https://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/lga/20161013-laguardia-taxiway-closures-associated-with-new-terminal-construction-project.phpRoh, H. (2013). Mode Choice Behavior of Various Airport User Groups for Ground Airport Access. TOTJ, 7(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874398620130930002Scholz, A. & von Cossel, J. (2011). Assessing the importance of hub airport for cargo carrier and its implication for a sustainable airport’s management. Research In Transportation Business and Management, 1(1), 62-70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2011.06.002Yuan, X., Low, J., & Ching Tang, L. (2010). Role of the airport and logistic service on the economic outcome of an air cargo supply chains. International Journal of Production Economics, 127(2), 215-225. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2009.08.005Airport & FBO Info,. (2016). Airport & FBO Info for KLGA LA GUARDIA NEW YORK NY. Fltplan.com. Retrieved 2 November 2016, from http://www.fltplan.com/AirportInformation/KLGA.htm