LeighFisher is an industry leader in assisting airport management, government and other key stakeholders in addressing the complex issues of managing economic regulation and charges setting worldwide, and with assisting investors in understanding the impact of those two important elements on airport financial results and development over the long-term. Our consultants have direct experience in the first setting of an airport CPI-X regulatory regime at British Airport Authority airports in 1986, the U.S. DOT's rates and charges policy, and similar regimes world-wide. As examples, we have had direct involvement with the following:
- Establishment of compensatory rate structures in compliance with U.S. DOT policies
- Open competition at UK regional airports
- Direct negotiations with airlines in Australia and New Zealand
- Regulation in Denmark and Belgium
- Various forms of “heavy-handed” regulation under price and profit control in single, dual, hybrid and non-cost related environments
- Assisting airport management on the application of the EU Airport Charges Directive.
Our services for government stakeholders include the following: the detailed design of regulatory systems, and research and briefings on the key issues and choices that must be made in implementing a regulatory system. Work with airport management includes overall regulatory strategy, assessing the implications of regulation, and the production of evidence submissions and filings. Our work with investors involves assisting them in understanding the financial consequences of regulatory systems at airports of interest (including risks and opportunities), assessment of how regulatory systems may evolve over time, and detailed regulatory modeling.
LeighFisher also advises airport management on issues related to airport charges, examining the traditional areas of cost assessment, and the more direct commercial concerns with setting charges, which promotes and rewards the efficient use of airport facilities. Worldwide, LeighFisher has directly supported complex negotiations between airport management and airline representatives to reach outcomes that are regarded as positive by all parties.
