About the book--Air transportation has undergone revolutionary changes during the last three decades, but especially since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, leaving airports to adapt to the changing environment. It has never been so true that "as the airlines go, so go the airports." Security awareness is heightened, as are concerns about the environment; compelling airports to go green. Yet, in the 21st century, airports are evolving as dynamic marketplaces dependent upon emerging technologies. Concurently, privatization is spreading around the globe and pressure is on public administrators to adapt to a new entrepreneurial model. The title, The Administration of Public Airports, is an intentional play on words reflecting that managers of public airports are by definition public administrators. But public adminstration has changed radically. Privatization of public facilities, development and expansion of infrastructure through private investment, and the rise of entrepreneurship in the public sector, all suggest a "shift in paradigm" to a New Public Administration. Yet, airport management is caught in a paradox. On the one hand there is a movement toward increased privatization. On the other, as changes in the economy continue to impact the airport industry, and environmental regulations challenge traditional ways of doing things, airport sonsors are being held increasingly to highter standards of responsibility and liability. One of the outcomes has been that airport sponsors have taken greater control of terminal and landside activities that were once the exclusive responsibility of private enterprise. Indeed, much has happened since the last edition, let alone the first edition of this book nearly thirty years ago. Deregulatory philosophy has spread to most industries, with airports seemingly included. This fifth edition is a significant rewrite to reflect the changing nature of managing airports in the public sector today. But as it has been with all previous editions, the goal is to prepare studens for airport management careers and to serve as a ready reference for those professionals already engaged in the management of public airports. This text is new, revised and expanded to meet that goal and hopefully it provides some insight. To those professionals already engaged in airport management, it is anticipated that this book might enhance individual capabilities. To the person just entering the field, it is expected this book will provide a sound foundation and a starting point from which to launch a challenging yet rewarding career.