Jim Elwood, A.A.E., director of aviation for the Aspen/Pitkin (CO) County Airport, took over as chair of the American Association of Airport Executives at this year’s annual meeting in New Orleans, at a time when the U.S. airport and aviation system is undergoing serious challenges. Yet, Elwood remains positive that this too shall pass — albeit not without a significant shift in how the industry operates. Says Elwood, ”As I said in my comments Wednesday night when the gavel was handed to me, we’ve been through difficult times before and we will find solutions and remain a strong industry through this transition as well. There are dark clouds on the horizon. We’ll do what we’ve always done, which is face it square on, address the issues, and be an even stronger industry on the other side.”

After taking over the AAAE helm, Elwood discussed the challenges facing airports and the U.S. aviation system with AIRPORT BUSINESS. Following are edited excerpts ...

AIRPORT BUSINESS: How is the current situation with the airlines impacting your airport in Aspen?

Elwood: We’re obviously watching the situation to see what changes are being made throughout the airline industry. We’ve not seen much in the way of changes at our airport. Our traffic is about 60/40, winter/summer at our airport. So, we’re still at a pretty good seasonal demand for summer. We’re anticipating probably a small downturn in seats in the fall.

AB: What was the overall message you were hearing from airports in New Orleans?

Elwood: A prime discussion was about the cost of fuel and the fact that the airlines are in a very, very difficult spot again. The industry experts are calling for somewhere around a 20 percent reduction in capacity, and that fares will need to go up probably much higher than the 20 percent capacity reduction might show.

Are there going to be fewer airlines on the other side of this economic shift? There are opinions on both sides.