The New England Regional Airport System Plan (NERASP) study was been released for public use. 

According to the study, New England's location, its economy, population and scenic and cultural resources contribute to the region's unusually high reliance on air transportation, generating 2.5 air passenger trips per year per capita, which is almost 80 percent higher than the national rate of 1.4. The regional system has the ability to meet an expected annual passenger growth of 3.5 percent through 2020, but it will require continued efforts to enhance the performance of each airport in the system.

The NERASP study also describes the foundations of a regional strategy for the air carrier airport system to support the needs of air passengers through 2020. Its underlying theme is to develop an airport system based upon the location of passengers and with adequate facilities to allow airlines to offer the range of services that will provide the best mix of efficiency, convenience and reliability. Its purpose is to foster a common understanding of the needs of passengers throughout the region and the larger public interest in air transportation services. The participating coalition airports still retain their independent authority in planning and developing their facilities, but have found previous studies beneficial in negotiating with airlines, and in securing public and private capital for major projects.

The New England Airport Coalition consists of the region's 11 passenger service airports, the aviation agencies of the region's six states, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Massachusetts Port Authority and the New England Council. The study was led by The Louis Berger Group, Inc. in association with a team of consulting firms that worked with the New England Airport Coalition. Over the course of the next two months, this study team will visit each of the study airports to discuss its findings.

Airports included in the study: Bangor International Airport (ME) ; Boston Logan International Airport (MA) ; Bradley International Airport (CT); Burlington International Airport (VT); L. G. Hanscom Field (MA); Manchester Boston Regional Airport (NH); Portland International Jetport (ME); Portsmouth International Airport (NH); T. F. Green Airport (RI); Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport (CT); and Worcester Regional Airport (MA).

FMI: www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/regional_guidance/new_england, www.nerasp.com