US Lawmaker Wants Limits On A380 Airport Upgrades

A senior Republican lawmaker influential on transportation matters said on Friday he wants Congress to prohibit US airports from spending federal funds on upgrades to accommodate the European-made superjumbo Airbus A380.

"Until a US airline chooses to acquire and operate the passenger version of the A380, foreign airlines that operate A380 passenger service to and from the United States should pay for any needed infrastructure improvements at the airports they serve," US Rep. John Mica, a Florida Republican, said in a statement.

Mica is chairman of the House of Representatives transportation subcommittee on aviation.

About 50 percent of the cost for A380-related upgrades would be financed through federal airport grants. So far, Los Angeles (LAX), New York's John F. Kennedy, Miami and San Francisco are preparing for A380 passenger service. Several other airports are evaluating A380 passenger and cargo development to see if carriers they serve will fly it.


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