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Airport Restauranteurs, Retailers and Small/Minority Businesses Urge Airports and Congress to Provide Financial Relief
The associations represent a $10 billion industry made up of firms of varying sizes, including many small and local businesses which contribute $2.5 billion to airport revenue streams. These businesses employ more than 125,000 workers in U.S. airports. The restaurants and retail shops are a vital part of the passenger's travel experience, and a major revenue source on which airports depend for their operations, development and bond financing.
John Clark , Chair of AMAC commented, "Our members are suffering tremendous sales losses exceeding 50% and in some cases as high as 90%. The industry is facing a financial crisis. Many businesses, including those classified as small and/or disadvantaged, may not be able to continue operations."
Restauranteurs/retailers in the aviation sector are contracted by airports, airlines and third-party developers to provide passengers a full range of food, beverage and retail services. Pat Murray , Chair of the ARRA explained, "Our members' ability to retain and pay employees, as well as pay rents to airports, has been seriously jeopardized. Some of our members will likely be unable to meet our debt obligations and will be forced out of business if quick action is not taken to provide relief."
The associations urged airports to engage with their members quickly and adopt mitigating actions to save the businesses:
ARRA/AMAC strongly support the airports' request for emergency financial assistance and flexibility to help sustain operations, preserve jobs and bonds, including assistance and flexibility for concessionaires during this critical time. ARRA/AMAC urged Congress and the Administration to provide financial relief/assistance to airport concessionaires to ensure business continuity, secure loans and make debt service payments. Specific measures ARRA/AMAC urge Congress and the Administration to act upon are:
: communications@arra-airports.com