The airport ground-transportation industry during COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the airport ground-transportation industry as the integral third leg comprising the airline, airport, ground-transportation industry; the impact of COVID-19 on its operations; and how the industry is repositioning itself for the future. The paper also depicts the positive growth many of these operators were having prior to the COVID-2019 pandemic, and the types of traffic congestion along with financial concerns that were being addressed by North American airports. Like many transportation industries, airport ground transportation is comprised of asset-based and asset-light operators. The differences in the capabilities of these operators during this period of little-to-no demand are explained. Having these different capabilities will dictate the speed at which these different operations may gear back up to serve the airline travelling public. The paper also details the disproportionate number of industry drivers affected by the virus and the financial difficulties many drivers are having in this industry. Also detailed are what operators are doing to provide safe operations for their drivers and their passengers. Furthermore provided are recommended guidelines for ground operators to follow in creating a safe environment for their drivers and their passengers. Finally, the paper looks to the future and how airports and ground-transportation operators might use this downtime to plan and implement improved services as the economy rebounds to pre-2020 levels.