Addressing delegates at the opening of the 2011 Airport Cities World Conference and Exhibition in Memphis, Greg Principato stressed that the US government's opposition to increasing the $4.50 national limit on airport passenger user fees was preventing airports from modernising their facilties and building commercial real estate developments, such as airport cities, a position that risked leading to the US falling behind its rivals in terms of global trade and travel and keeping a boot "on the neck of economic growth in this part of the world."

"The basic fact is this: while world governments and airlines are making prudent decisions, we in the US  are looking backward...those that invest in and develop their transport infrastructure will prosper and grow and those that do not will fall behind," he said.

Principato also called on airlines to end their opposition to increasing user fees saying: "Airlines seem to believe that the key goal transportation is there for their own financial benefit, not to move people and goods, but to move their stock prices and balance sheets."

Pointing to successful examples of expanding and thriving hubs, such as Chicago and developing aerotropoli, including Memphis and Detroit, Principato said airports were "at a cross roads" at which they would either prosper or decline in the face of competition for market share from airports elsewhere in the world.

Dr John D Kasarda, who was moderating the Airport Cities conference Welcome Address, echoed Principato's comments, saying his words were a "wake up call to America".

By Oliver Clark